Winter travel wisdom

No photos and frivolity today... The Thanksgiving weekend travel tragedy involving the Kim family of San Francisco is a good reminder to all of us to refresh our knowledge base about winter travel.  Here's our take on safe winter road travel in Southern Oregon...

Winter renters, especially fellow mild weather dwellers here in the Bay Area, often ask me "Do we really need chains?"  Yes, yes, yes... really!   If you are in a high-clearance, 4-wheel drive vehicle you will find that in most instances you won't have to actually put them on.  But Oregon chain law may still require them in conditional road closures, even for SUVs with all-weather or snow-specific tires!  And while cell phones, on-board GPS and internet mapping services are fun and nifty, it is important to remember that these sorts of gadgets are not reliable enough or fool-proof enough to substitute for accurate local information. 

ODOT maintains phone numbers and a website which will allow you to check on Oregon road and weather conditions at any time.  Within Oregon, you may dial 511 or (800)977-6368 toll free; outside Oregon that number is (503)588-2941.  The OR number is posted inside the cabin as well for the convenience of our visitors.  The main roads leading to Thimbleberry Cabin -- Hwy. 140, Dead Indian Memorial, Clover Creek -- are two-lane county thoroughfares groomed and maintained by Jackson and Klamath Counties respectively.  Winter travel on single lane, unlined Forest Service roads is just not advisable in any circumstances.  Check maps carefully and call local authorities if you need more information about a route!

In a recent Medford Mail Tribune article, Michael Strong, a wilderness instructor and director of the University of Oregon's Outdoor Pursuits Program, states the most important thing is first and foremost to "tell someone where you're going."  That's an easy one to forget when traveling, but simple to implement.  Remember to keep in touch with a designated friend or family member back home when you travel in and out of snow country.

Annette Hall has authored a good article on putting together your own winter emergency car kit at www.reliableanswers.com.  I suggest all our visitors look at this article, or one like it, while preparing for their trip.  At the very least, plan on traveling with warm jackets, hats, gloves and waterproof footwear for each family member, regardless of current weather conditions.  Always keep some high-calorie, non-perishable food and an abundant supply of drinking water in your vehicle.  Be prepared to fill your gas tank when you have the chance, as services can be few and far between in the mountains.  If you are planning to use a rental vehicle, be sure to confirm it has all the car safety basics like jumper cables, safety flares, etc. in addition to snow chains.  Some rental companies maintain that their SUVs don't need chains.  This is inaccurate; according to Oregon chain law as published at the official ODOT website, heavy snow on steep grades can make chains temporarily necessary for ALL vehicles.  If you are travelling in an SUV without chains, be prepared to obey conditional road closings when notified! 

The odds are in favor of your never needing emergency supplies or skills in your travels... But if any of us were ever to need these items it is important to respect the fact that our very survival could suddenly hinge upon any one of them!  Always, always be prepared...