About FlashAlert on Twitter:
FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Deschutes County Sheriff's Office by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.
Released by: Sgt. Nathan Garibay, Emergency Services Manager/Assistant SAR Coordinator
Release Date: January 10, 2020
NARRATIVE:
The National Weather Service is predicting a round of storms that could bring significant snow to the higher elevations of Deschutes County. The Cascade Range including snow parks along Century Drive are expected to receive large amounts of snow through Wednesday of next week.
Although fresh snow is exciting and a draw for backcountry recreationalists, we want to urge those traveling into the mountains to use caution. The snow conditions could be challenging for all but the most experienced and will increase the risk of tree well issues and avalanche danger. Additionally, these conditions challenge rescuers and increase our response times to backcountry emergencies. Ski, snowshoe and snowmobile trails are already becoming hard to distinguish in some areas, which make it difficult to navigate.
For additional information on tree well safety, visit: https://www.deepsnowsafety.org
For additional information on local avalanche conditions, visit: http://www.coavalanche.org
Any backcountry travelers should have proper gear (including avalanche gear) and food for 24 hours, ensure they have adequately charged cell phones, and should tell someone where they are going.
For more information on backcountry preparedness, visit: https://www.deschutessearchandrescue.org
Even those who are not traveling far into the forest could expect hazardous road conditions and should ensure their vehicles are equipped for the conditions. We recommend all travelers also carry additional supplies in the event they become stranded. Those camping in the forest could find themselves stranded and should consider moving to lower elevations.
For additional information from ODOT, visit: https://content.govdelivery.com/bulletins/gd/ORDOT-2758bcd?wgt_ref=ORDOT_WIDGET_8
The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office is a full service agency that oversees the adult jail, provides patrol, criminal investigations, civil process and search and rescue operations. Special units include SWAT, Marine Patrol, ATV Patrol, Forest Patrol, along with six K9 teams. Founded in 1916 and today led by your duly elected Sheriff L. Shane Nelson, the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office serves the nearly 190,000 residents in Deschutes County. The agency has 230 authorized and funded personnel, which includes 187 sworn employees who provide services to the 3,055 square miles of Deschutes County.
## End of Release ##