Oregon’s Winter Weather Challenges: Navigating the Ice and Snow

Growing up in Wisconsin, my father would often joke that we had only two seasons: winter and July. Each winter, we trudged through towering snowdrifts to attend school, while life continued unabated, with parents commuting to work and buses navigating slick roads. Milwaukee typically records an average of 10 inches of snowfall each December, whereas Portland, Oregon, receives less than half that amount in an entire year, with winter temperatures averaging over 10 degrees warmer. Thus, when I first arrived in Oregon, the winters felt surprisingly mild. However, last winter was a stark reminder that even the Pacific Northwest can experience severe weather events.

In January, a brutal ice storm swept through the region, unleashing a deluge of sleet and bone-chilling temperatures that persisted for days. The aftermath was devastating: thousands lost power, roads became impassable, and tragically, lives were lost due to hypothermia, fallen trees, and electrocution from downed power lines. This severe winter weather instigated intense discussions about Oregon’s preparedness for extreme weather and how well the state can handle such challenges.

Debating Oregon’s Response to Winter Storms

Midwestern expats often criticize Oregon’s approach to winter weather, pointing fingers at local drivers and what they perceive as an inadequate supply of road salt. Although Portland has utilized rock salt and other deicers since 2017, many locals defend the current allocation of resources, citing the city’s relatively low number of snowy days. However, there are growing calls for improved infrastructure and better resource management. In a recent letter addressed to Governor Tina Kotek and other local leaders, the Independent Restaurant Alliance of Oregon urged for financial relief for businesses impacted by the storm and emphasized the need for infrastructure improvements to maintain drivable roads. “It is long past time for city and state leaders to acknowledge that extreme weather events are not an anomaly,” the letter asserts. “We must invest in infrastructure to navigate these challenges.”

The Financial Strain on Oregon’s Infrastructure

Central to the debate surrounding Oregon’s winter storm preparedness is the issue of funding. The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), responsible for maintaining safe travel on state roads during winter storms, has warned of a significant budget shortfall that could jeopardize road safety. In light of this, Governor Kotek successfully secured an additional $19 million for winter road maintenance through late 2025. Furthermore, in September, the Federal Highway Administration granted the state almost $43 million for infrastructure improvements linked to natural disasters, including storms.

Despite these efforts, the long-term outlook appears bleak. ODOT has once again raised alarms over an estimated shortfall of $354 million and the potential loss of 1,000 jobs between 2025 and 2027 if the legislature fails to act. ODOT spokesperson Kevin Glenn attributes these long-term challenges to flat gas tax revenues—partly due to the rise of electric vehicles, inflationary pressures, and the agency’s ongoing debt service. “As a result of our structural revenue issue, we anticipate a significant reduction in winter service levels beginning in late 2025,” Glenn explains. He predicts that ODOT will only be able to procure approximately 50 percent of the salt, deicer, and abrasives typically used, leading to diminished service on interstates and highways and even less on less-traveled roads.

Local vs. State Response: A Tale of Two Agencies

While ODOT struggles with funding and resources, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has found its budget sufficient to manage local winter weather challenges. PBOT is responsible for maintaining 1,749 miles of designated snow and ice routes, compared to the 4,875 miles it oversees year-round. The agency prioritizes these specific routes based on available staffing and resources, with the primary goal of ensuring that public transit operates safely and that snowplows clear routes for emergency services. “When snow and ice are forecast, we attach a plow to the front of [our dump trucks],” says PBOT spokesperson Dylan Rivera. “That’s how we get 55 snowplows in Portland.”

On a larger scale, ODOT manages snowplowing on state highways. Kent Kalsch, ODOT’s maintenance manager, describes their snowplowing strategy: “We try and plow like geese flying,” he says, referring to a staggered formation that aims to maximize efficiency. However, impatient drivers often create dangerous situations by attempting to pass between the plow trucks, leading to accidents. Kalsch believes that modern vehicle safety features, such as anti-lock brakes and collision warnings, give drivers a false sense of security, leading them to push their vehicles beyond safe limits. “If you’re driving as fast as you think you can, you’re probably driving 10 miles an hour too fast,” he cautions.

The Limitations of Deicing Solutions

Oregon’s recent adoption of rock salt as a deicing solution is intended to expedite snow melting, but it is not without its challenges. While the salt can efficiently break down snow and ice, Kalsch notes that it doesn’t necessarily create safer driving conditions. “When we used to plow snow, it was light and fluffy or wet,” he explains. “Now everything is almost like a 7-Eleven Slurpee—wet and heavy because it’s melting all the snow and breaking it up so we can remove it and clear the road quicker.” With fresh snow falling on salted slush, road conditions can become perilously slick, particularly when temperatures hover between 34 and 28 degrees.

Lessons from the Midwest: Infrastructure and Preparedness

In states like Wisconsin, where heavy snowfall is a winter norm, infrastructure dedicated to snow and ice management has been developed over decades. From snowplows to salt distribution systems, Midwestern states have long prioritized winter preparedness. In contrast, Oregon’s approach has evolved differently due to its milder climate and differing priorities. The state has historically employed less salt and sand, partly to mitigate potential harm to water and air quality.

However, as climate change continues to influence weather patterns, even a small amount of snow can cause significant disruptions, particularly if the agencies responsible for managing winter conditions lack the necessary funding. The evolving landscape of winter weather in Oregon calls for a reevaluation of existing strategies, resource allocations, and infrastructure investments to ensure the safety and well-being of residents during severe winter storms.

Conclusion

Oregon’s experience with last winter’s ice storm serves as a wake-up call regarding the state’s preparedness for winter weather. As the climate continues to shift, the frequency and intensity of winter storms may increase, urging a reconsideration of how Oregon manages its winter infrastructure. From funding challenges at ODOT to the operational strategies employed by PBOT, it is clear that a collaborative effort is required to enhance the state’s resilience against extreme weather. As we face the realities of climate change, the time has come for Oregon to invest proactively in infrastructure improvements and resource management to navigate the complications of winter weather effectively.