Resources for freezing temperatures or wintry conditions

When Oregon experiences extremely cold temperatures in winter, these resources can help your family, plants and animals weather the ice, snow or freezing conditions.

Preparations to make in advance

Woodland Roads: Are You Ready for the Winter?

Description: There is nothing more important for the functionality and safety of a forest road than managing water, and in the winter, we get lots of it! Is your road winter ready? Let’s talk about why it is important ...

Francisca Belart, Jon Souder | Nov 2021 | Video

As the sun sets on growing season, it's time to winterize

When winter hits, the growing season may be over but work in the garden goes on. Here's how to winterize your garden and position it for a successful growing season.

Nicole Sanchez | Sep 2020 | Article

Winter care of perennials in central Oregon

When temperatures begin cooling off in the fall, it is time to put your perennials to bed for the winter. Learn how to mulch and water perennials to protect them from central Oregon's cold, dry soils and freeze-thaw cycles.

Amy Jo Detweiler | Jul 2024 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Winter Livestock Care

This podcast episode is part of the Living on the Land series. It provides concise information on the basics of managing livestock in winter, including use of sound production practices. Particularly for the region east of the...

Brian Tuck, Shilah Olson, Ellen Hammond, Susan Kerr | Mar 2023 | Podcast episode Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Why some trees can stand up to ice storms

The ice storm in 2021 in Clackamas and Marion counties provided lots of lessons about the kinds of trees that are vulnerable to weather damage. It also showed that well-spaced trees are stronger in the face of adversity.

Glenn Ahrens | Apr 2021 | Article

156 - Shelley Hoover - Preparing hives for winter

The highest period of honey bee colony mortality is during the winter. But there are a number of tricks to ensure high colony survival. In this episode we visit a Canadian bee yard to learn about what they do. Shelley ...

Andony Melathopoulos | Oct 2020 | Podcast episode

Feed birds in winter with berry-bearing plants

Birds eat berries in winter for food to give them the energy they need to survive the prolonged stress of cold and wet weather.

Kym Pokorny | Jan 16, 2021 | News story

Right before, during or after the freeze

8 tips to gear up the garden for cold weather

The freezes are coming so it's best to be prepared

Kym Pokorny | Dec 8, 2017 | News story

Should I keep filling my hummingbird feeder in frigid temperatures?

Q: I’m wondering if it’s OK here in central Oregon to leave our hummingbird feeder up a little while longer. I just noticed a hummingbird hanging out on the feeder this morning when it was 16 degrees.

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Can I compost in freezing temperatures?

Q: What process is used in the winter to enable composting to continue outside and in very low temperatures, some below freezing?

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Triage tips for storm-damaged trees

This set of resources can help you prepare for or respond to storm damage to your trees. The take-home message? Safety first!

Dan Stark, Alexander Gorman, Brad Withrow-Robinson | Feb 2023 | Article

Survival Basics: No Power? No Problem: Tips to Help You Thrive in the Face of Disaster

The Cascadia Earthquake, when it occurs, will cripple western Oregon's communications and infrastructure. These tips will help residents manage through what could be months of no electricity and other modern ...

Lynette Black, Glenda Hyde, Catalina Sánchez-Frank | Mar 2024 | Extension Catalog publication Peer reviewed (Orange level)

Is my food still safe after power outages?

Q: As of this morning, we have been without any power for more than five days and it is still out, with a prediction of 2-4 more days until we reconnect. I have been assuming that we would lose the contents of our ...

A: View answer | View all featured questions

Safety of canned food that freezes

More than pipes can freeze during icy weather. Canned foods stored in unheated storage areas may also freeze. Whether they're still safe to eat will depend on the condition of the can or jar. Here's what to look for.

Nellie Oehler | Apr 2024 | Article Peer reviewed (Gray level)

Winter storm damage checklist

After winter storms, check around your home and apartment for possible leaks that can lead to mold in the future.

Susan Busler | Jan 2008 | Article

Treatment options for young forest stands damaged by fire or ice

Fires and ice storms in recent years have done serious damage to young forest stands in the Willamette Valley. Without much salvageable timber, landowners must decide how to restore the stands. Here are some options.

Glenn Ahrens | Jun 2021 | Article

Jan 2024

Climate map on computer screen and scientist

Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension: Climate change, Family emergency preparedness

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