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Forest Service News Release for Winter Safety on Mt. Hood

by Liz Warren

Mt. Hood National Forest

www.fs.usda.gov/mthood

 

Forest Service News Release

 

Enjoy the Winter – Safely! – on Mt. Hood National Forest

 

 

As we approach the solstice, more and more people are searching for winter adventures on Mt. Hood National Forest. National forests are ideal for sledding, skiing, snowmobiling, and more, but there are necessary precautions to take before heading out. The best way to enjoy your public lands safely is to plan ahead, especially in the winter.

 

Always check the weather forecast and visit TripCheck.com for highway conditions in Oregon before leaving home. Driving in the winter at high elevations can mean snowy and icy roads, limited visibility, snowplows, and heavy ski traffic. Prepare your vehicle – carry tire chains and a winter weather kit, which should include extra food, water, layers, and blankets. Consider carpooling or using public transit, such as the Mt. Hood Express or Gorge-To-Mountain Express buses.

 

Most of the Forest has no cell service. Online mapping services are not always reliable, and Mt. Hood National Forest roads aren’t plowed. Many Forest roads are closed seasonally due to snow, winter range wildlife habitat, or resource protection. Motor Vehicle Use Maps are free and show all Mt. Hood National Forest roads, as well as seasonal closures. Pick up a paper copy at one of our offices or download a georeferenced PDF for your smartphone: https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/mthood/mvum

 

Sno-Parks are popular for winter recreation and can fill up quickly on weekends. If a parking lot is full, it’s important to have a backup plan. Do not park along the highway, in no-parking zones, or block other vehicles. Emergency vehicles need unobstructed access to operate safely. Vehicles blocking traffic or parked illegally are subject to ticketing and towing. For more information on snow levels, check the weekly Mt. Hood Sno-Park conditions report or follow us on Facebook.

 

Nearly all Sno-Parks on Mt. Hood require vehicles to display a Sno-Park permit. The Oregon Sno-Park permit program is managed by ODOT (Oregon Department of Transportation) and money earned from permits sales directly funds plowing and maintenance of Sno-Parks. Learn more: https://www.tripcheck.com/Pages/Sno-Parks-Permits

 

Have a fun and safe winter on the mountain!



 

Winter Driving Essentials: cell phone charger; flashlight & flares; full tank of gas; extra water and food; extra clothes, boots, gloves, hat; blankets or sleeping bag; ice scraper/snow brush and shovel; snow tires or chains and jumper cables; first aid kit. Layering basics: 1) Base layer, 2) middle layer, 3) outer layer, 4) protect your extremities, 5) suitable footwear, 6) accessorize.

 

 

 

Flood Information on Mt. Hood

by Liz Warren

Flood information on Mt. Hood's history

When Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?

by Liz Warren

When Will Mortgage Rates Come Down?



 

One of the biggest questions on everyone’s minds right now is: when will mortgage rates come down? After several years of rising rates and a lot of bouncing around in 2024, we’re all eager for some relief.

While no one can project where rates will go with complete accuracy or the exact timing, experts offer some insight into what we might see going into next year. Here’s what the latest forecasts show.

Mortgage Rates Are Expected To Ease and Stabilize in 2025

After a lot of volatility and uncertainty, the most updated forecasts suggest rates will start to stabilize over the next year, and should ease a bit compared to where they are right now (see graph below):

a blue and white graph with numbers

As Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR), says

“While mortgage rates remain elevated, they are expected to stabilize.”

Key Factors That’ll Impact the Future of Mortgage Rates

It’s important to note that the timing and the pace of what happens with mortgage rates is one of the most challenging forecasts to make in the housing market. That’s because these forecasts hinge on a few key factors all lining up. So don’t be fooled, because while rates are expected to come down slightly, they’re going to be a moving target. And the ups and downs of ongoing economic drivers will likely stick around. Here’s a look at just a few of the things that’ll influence where they go from here:

  • Inflation: If inflation cools, rates could dip a bit more. On the flip side, if inflation rises or remains stubbornly high, rates may stay elevated longer.
  • Unemployment Rate: The unemployment rate also plays a significant role in upcoming decisions by the Federal Reserve (the Fed). And while the Fed doesn’t set mortgage rates, their actions do reflect what’s happening in the greater economy, which can have an impact.
  • Government Policies: With the next administration set to take office in January, fiscal and monetary policies could also affect how financial markets respond and where rates go from here.

Remember, these forecasts are based on the best information available right now. As new economic data comes out, experts will revise their projections accordingly. So, don’t try to time the market based on these forecasts alone.

Instead, the best thing you can do is focus on what you can control right now. Work on improving your credit score, put away any extra cash for your down payment, and automate your savings. All of these things will help you reach your homeownership goals even faster.

And be sure to connect with a trusted agent and a lender, so you always have the latest updates – and an expert opinion on what that means for your move.

Bottom Line

If you’re planning to move and want to stay informed about where mortgage rates are heading, let’s connect.

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