Groundhog Day, from Eugene, Oregon

The sun is not expected to shine here today. Rain and snow are predicted for overnight and this morning. The news from Eugene at present has to do with the weather and how it is affecting traffic and transportation.

The week began with major snow falls. There were several inches of accumulation even on the Willamette Valley floor, which is an unusual occurrence in the area. That was followed by several days of steady rain, heavy at times. The result? The ground is saturated, the Willamette River is quite full and muddy, and land slides, more accurately called mud slides, and snow slides are blocking major traffic arteries. Yes, these are the same storms which have now moved east and are wreaking more havoc as they go. And it looks like there are more storms on the way.

The most massive of these slides occurred a few weeks back on the major north-south Union Pacific railway line, east of Oakridge. That 60-acre slide dumped 2.3 million cubic yards of mud and debris on the track. The current weather is severely hindering the clean-up process there, and Union Pacific officials are unable to predict when they will have it cleared. Amtrack has had to suspend their Coast Starlight service until at least the middle of February, and freight trains have had to find alternate routes.

The main connection between Eugene and the coast, Highway 126, was closed Thursday and most of Friday due to a mud slide, thus forcing detours or changes of plans.That same highway also stretches east across the Cascade range, providing a major link to the mountains and central Oregon. Two avalanches caused a major snow slide there early Thursday morning, burying at least two trucks and blocking the road heading into the pass. The pass was closed, preventing all access in that direction as well, until late Friday. ODOT has called out avalanche experts to evaluate any ongoing risk, and continued heavy snowfall is expected over the next few days. Travelers are urged to stay away or find an alternate route until sometime next week.

Interstate 5, near the California/Oregon border was closed for 5 hours Thursday night due to heavy snow at Siskiyou Pass. Truck drivers and other travelers are urged to check ahead and use caution when navigating these mountain passes at this time of year. All should be carrying tire chains, and it is advisable to bring extra food, water, and warm clothing in case of unexpected delays.