February 11, 2014 @ 3:47 pm
The University of Oregon continues to clean up from the recent snow and ice storm and campus trees are still vulnerable to further damage.  Several areas have debris piles or tree limb hazards and should be avoided. Click here for a map of these locations.

As members of the greater community, the UO is sharing information from the City of Eugene regarding its efforts (details below) and an updated weather forecast for tonight.

As communicated by the City of Eugene, the National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for tonight starting at 10 p.m. Use caution around trees damaged by Saturday’s ice storm.  Stay well clear of trees that may leaning or that have loose hanging limbs.

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2/11/2014 11:01 AM

CONTACT:        John Clark, Incident Commander

From Public Information Section

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tree Debris Clean-up Continues Throughout Eugene

Public Works is continuing to clear trees and limbs from streets and sidewalks. Crews have cleared a number of locations on major thoroughfares, but wiring tangled in some trees has limited crews’ ability to respond to some locations for safety reasons.

Operations has split the city into seventeen sectors in which crews are focused primarily on clearing any blockages. Efforts will transition to cleaning up the debris left by damaged trees.  In addition, Public Works had assessment teams out in the field reporting and prioritizing hazards.

Plowing efforts have been successful clearing priority routes. Streets that had been blocked will be plowed as needed today. The plowing equipment will transition to debris hauling equipment to support the tree crews.

Stormwater operations are continuing to keep catch basins and curb inlets open for the melting snow. Localized flooding from melted snow and ice has not been an issue thanks to the mitigation efforts of Public Works staff. The potential of flooding will remain as weather forecasts predicted rainfall for the next several days.

Many sidewalks are covered with slush or even snow and ice in higher elevations. Property owners are reminded that they are responsible for keeping sidewalks passable next to their homes or businesses and bear the liability if someone slips or falls on a poorly maintained sidewalk.

The National Weather Service has issued a wind advisory for tonight starting at 10 pm. Use caution around trees damaged by Saturday’s ice storm.  Say well clear of trees that may leaning or that have loose hanging limbs.

To report a blocked street, hazardous trees or street flooding in Eugene, call 541-682-4800. For power outages in Eugene, call EWEB at 541-484-2300. Public Works cannot respond to trees on private property. Property owners are advised to contact commercial tree services for assistance in dealing with trees on private property.

For updates on Public Works storm operations, go to www.eugene-or.gov/snow.

Airport travelers are advised to check flight schedules. Up-to-date flight information is at www.flyEUG.com. For information about the status of other City services, go to www.eugene-or.gov.
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AT&T Mobility is undertaking a major upgrade of their cell site at Hayward Field this month.  This facility/tower serves much of the campus area.

Starting today (2/11) or tomorrow (2/12), they will be bringing the site completely down to install new equipment and antennas that will double its capacity. Their crew will be working 12 hour days at the Hayward site for the next few weeks and expect to have it back on line by March 1st.  During this time, it’s possible AT&T customers on campus may experience some degradation in service given the central location of this tower.  Service degradation could include reduced ability to make/receive phone calls or ability to use cellular data in locations on campus currently covered.

For privately owned/managed plans, AT&T has several retail locations in the vicinity, you can use the search page here to locate a store near you: http://www.att.com/maps/store-locator.html#fbid=Kfb_QflYsN   Or contact AT& T online at http://www.att.com

If you need help or support with a UO managed cellphone device or plan handled through UO NTS, please contact  at NTS@ithelp.uoregon.edu or by phone at 541-346-NETS (6-6387).

UOAlert!: Monday, Feb. 10, 2014, 9 a.m.

All classes and events occurring today; hazards continue

As students, faculty and staff arrive on campus, they will find dozens of downed tree limbs and approximately 60 university employees working to remove the debris and address safety hazards.  In addition to debris clean-up, arborists are evaluating unseen vulnerabilities that can continue to be dangerous after the snow and ice melt.

Please DO NOT REMOVE caution tape and AVOID the areas blocked off as indicated on this map.

Campus Operations crews have been working long hours around the clock during the storm and everyone’s cooperation to maintain safety is appreciated.

As melting occurs, please walk carefully and avoid walking next to buildings that may have falling snow and ice from the roof.

UOAlert!: Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014, 4 p.m.

Campus preparing to operate normally Monday; hazards continue

Snow and ice have impacted approximately 100 trees on the University of Oregon campus.  Falling tree limbs can be very dangerous and unseen vulnerabilities must be evaluated by experienced arborists.  Currently, crews are using caution tape in areas that are of the highest concern.  Please DO NOT REMOVE caution tape and AVOID the areas blocked off.

Campus Operations crews have been working long hours around the clock during the storm and everyone’s cooperation to maintain safety is appreciated.

As melting occurs, please also avoid walking next to buildings that may have falling snow and ice from the roof.

To view a UO webcam, visit http://webcam.uoregon.edu

UO Alert!: Sunday, Feb, 9, 2014, 9:30 a.m.

Sunday classes and events canceled until noon

Winter weather continues to make for dangerous conditions on campus and throughout the Eugene Springfield area.  Please use extreme caution when outdoors and there are several downed trees and power lines in the greater campus community. Avoid walking under or near trees or downed power lines.  There are dozens of downed tree limbs on campus due to icy conditions, and Campus Operations continues to work to improve the areas impacted most.

As heavy snow and ice begin to melt, there is increased risk from roof slides; therefore, avoid walking immediately adjacent to buildings.

Ice Storm Facts:
•    – Ice can increase the weight of branches by 30 times.
•    – A 1/2″ accumulation on power lines can add 500 pounds of extra weight.

Visit http://webcam.uoregon.edu for a view of current conditions.