Ice storm damage causes power outage and hiking trails to close at Breaks Interstate Park

snow-closing

The damage from the winter storm caused Breaks Interstate Park to cancel reservations Friday.

Just as the ice storm warning expired Friday morning, the power went out all across the park.

The weight of the ice caused trees and power lines to fall across several roads.

The park lost electricity, television service, internet and phone service. The power was restored around 4 p.m.

Then the Breaks Interstate Park announced Sunday that it would be closing all hiking trails, overlooks, playgrounds, and other outdoor areas until further notice.

This comes following ice accumulation last week and ongoing freezing temperatures across much of the region.

Park officials say the accumulating ice is causing trees and branches to fall “every few minutes” due to added weight which has created hazardous conditions.

Crews are working to clear debris as the mountains prepare for the possibility of further ice accumulation.