Frustration mounts as chainless semi stalls Highway 35 in snow storm on Saturday, trapping vehicles near Government Camp
Fresh pow skiers hit Highway 35 as a no-traction semi triggered a massive stall, leaving dozens stranded in hinky, snow-choked driving conditions near Government Camp Saturday.
The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 21, 2026 — A stalled semi-truck without chains triggered a multivehicle traffic hazard involving dozens of vehicles Saturday afternoon on Highway 35 near Government Camp, as heavy snowfall created dangerous conditions on Mount Hood during peak weekend travel.
Oregon State Police Trooper Kurtis Patterson responded at about 12:33 p.m. to milepost 59 after a fully loaded commercial motor vehicle lost traction and stalled, blocking both lanes of the highway, according to the OSP log. The incident quickly caused a buildup of vehicles, likely including skiers and other weekend travelers, who were unable to pass.
Initial reports estimated about 20 vehicles were affected, but responders found nearly twice that number upon arrival. Several vehicles sustained minor damage. No injuries were reported, and drivers exchanged information at the scene before leaving.
Heavy snow fell throughout the day Saturday, with Mount Hood ski resorts reporting between 6 and 8 inches of new snow in about six hours. The snowfall intensified around midafternoon, contributing to hazardous driving conditions across the mountain. The Oregon Department of Transportation also closed U.S. Highway 26 eastbound near Government Camp around 2 p.m. due to unsafe conditions.
Deputies from the Hood River County Sheriff’s Office assisted at the scene on Highway 35, while ODOT crews helped clear the roadway and applied traction materials to improve driving conditions.
The driver of the commercial motor vehicle was cited for multiple violations, including failure to use required tire chains, which authorities said was the primary cause of the incident.
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Moro man hits power pole, cited for DUII; initial tests show ‘extreme’ alcohol impairment
Moro man cited for DUII after crashing into power pole east of Wasco; troopers report driver admitted drinking and initial test show three times the legal limit for blood alcohol content.
The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 18, 2026 — A Moro man was cited for driving under the influence of intoxicants after crashing into a power pole east of Wasco with a blood alcohol level more than three times the legal limit, according to Oregon State Police.
Trooper Jason Mitro assisted the Sherman County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, Feb. 13, at a single-vehicle crash near the intersection of Beacon Road and Emigrant Springs Lane - rural farm roads east of Wasco. Troopers said a blue 2000 Dodge Ram left the roadway for unknown reasons and struck a power pole.
The driver, identified as Austin Daniel Olson, 22, of Moro, reportedly displayed several indicators of impairment and admitted to consuming alcohol prior to the crash. A passenger, identified as Hunter Jeffery Kaseberg, 25, of Wasco, sustained minor injuries.
Olson was transported by ambulance to Adventist Health Columbia Gorge for medical treatment. Troopers obtained a search warrant for a blood sample, and hospital testing showed Olson’s blood alcohol content was 0.258%, more than three times Oregon’s legal limit of 0.08%.
Olson was issued criminal citations for DUII, reckless driving and reckless endangering another person. He was released to the care of hospital staff.
Sherman County Sheriff’s Office is leading the crash investigation.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers with a blood alcohol level of 0.15% or higher face exponentially increased crash risk, making Olson’s measured level of 0.258% indicative of extreme impairment.
Appleton man charged with DUI after pickup rollover near Dufur
Washington man cited for DUII after Highway 197 rollover near Dufur; troopers say driver denied driving despite witness account and blood alcohol above legal limit.
The Dalles, Ore., Feb. 18, 2026 — An Appleton, Washington, man was cited for driving under the influence of intoxicants after a rollover crash late Tuesday night on U.S. Highway 197 south of The Dalles, according to Oregon State Police.
Trooper Isaac Oakes responded at about 10:48 p.m. Feb. 17 to a single-vehicle rollover near milepost 15. Troopers found a black Ford F-150 pickup that had rolled at least once before coming to rest on its wheels down an embankment. The crash did not block the roadway.
A witness reported seeing the pickup traveling too fast for conditions before losing control. Troopers said evidence at the scene indicated the vehicle sideswiped a guardrail, crossed the northbound lane and traveled down an embankment in an uncontrolled yaw before striking vegetation and rolling.
The driver, identified as Anthony James Berge, 39, of Appleton, Washington, reportedly claimed he was not driving, but a witness told troopers no one was seen leaving the scene. Troopers searched the area and located Berge’s dog nearby uninjured. The animal was transported to the Columbia Gorge Humane Society.
Troopers reported observing several indicators of impairment during contact with Berge, and an open container of alcohol was visible inside the vehicle. Berge was transported by ambulance to Adventist Health Columbia Gorge for treatment of serious injuries.
Hospital staff later informed troopers that Berge’s blood alcohol content measured 0.103%, which is 0.02 above Oregon’s legal limit of 0.08% for drivers. Troopers obtained a warrant for a blood sample, which was collected as part of the investigation.
Berge was issued criminal citations for driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving. A charge of obstructing governmental administration was referred to the Wasco County District Attorney for consideration. He was released to the care of hospital staff.
The vehicle was towed from the scene by River’s Edge Towing.
