Central Oregon snow brings crashes; DCSO patrol car in one

2/27/2018 (Permalink)

BEND, Ore. - A few to several inches of snow fell over much of Central Oregon again Saturday morning, leading to several slide-offs and crashes around the region, none with serious injuries reported -- including a collision east of Bend that damaged a Deschutes County sheriff's patrol car.

In a Facebook post, sheriff's office Sgt. William Bailey said the deputy at the wheel was slowly approaching the stop sign on Deschutes Market Road at Hamehook Road "but was unable to stop on the icy roadway and slid into the path of another vehicle." The deputy was not identified.

"We are relieved to report that no one was injured in the crash," Bailey wrote, adding, "Even with regular driving training, accidents can happen. Even driving extremely slow, accidents can happen. If you have to go out, drive carefully!"

Bend-area observers reported 2-4 or more inches of new snow by Saturday morning, while Sisters and Redmond had about two inches, Prineville over an inch and Madras about a half-inch 

The National Weather Service reduced Sunday's expected snow amounts a bit, but still predicts over a foot in the Cascades and 2-5 more inches possible in the Bend area by Sunday night, though a mix of rain and snow is predicted during the daytime as temperatures climb to near 40 degrees.  Below-normal temperatures and a chance of snow showers linger in the area through the coming week.