Winter Weather Information

This page provides updates on hazardous weather conditions that may impact campus, along with tips for specific weather challenges campus may be experiencing.

 

PIONEER ALERT issued  1-26-2026:

LEVEL 2 snow emergency is in effect, roads remain hazardous. Be cautious if you must drive. Under a level 2, campus is open and classes are in session. Some classes may move to remote learning; watch for communication from your professor.

TOMORROW (1-27-26): We continue to monitor weather conditions and snow emergency level for  Washington County. If a level 3 snow emergency is in effect at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, campus opening and classes will be delayed. A Pioneer Alert will be sent at 6 a.m. with an update on conditions.

EXTREME COLD WARNING: The National Weather Service has issued an EXTREME COLD WARNING from 7 p.m. tonight until Noon on Tuesday. Wind chills as low as 17 below zero could occur and may result in hypothermia or frostbite in a short period of time if precautions are not taken.

To be prepared and stay safe during severe weather the NWS offers these tips for Extreme Cold:

  • Stay covered. Wear appropriate warm clothing, including long pants, a coat, gloves and a hat. At least half of your body heat is lost if your head is not covered.
  • Dress in layers. Trapped air between loose fitting clothing helps to insulate.
  • Stay dry. Wet clothing results in much faster heat loss from your body. Wear waterproof insulated boots.
  • Minimize your exposure to the outdoors to short periods of time with breaks inside.

Additionally, be cautious while walking across campus. Although we are working to clear campus, some pathways are still slick -- walk with short, flat-footed steps.

 

Wind Chill Safety  (From the National Weather Service)

The combination of wind and low temperature in winter can be deadly. The wind chill index helps you determine when dangerous conditions develop that could lead to frostbite or hypothermia. It takes into account heat loss from the human body to its surroundings during cold and windy weather. The calculation utilizes wind speed in miles per hour and temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. For example, a temperature of minus 5 degrees occurring with a 20 mph wind gives a wind chill near minus 30 degrees (see wind chill calculation table below). This means that your body will lose heat at the same rate as it would if the air temperature were minus 30 degrees with no wind. Wind chill values near minus 25 degrees mean that frostbite is possible within 15 minutes.

Frostbite is the freezing of skin and the body tissue just beneath it. It first affects exposed body tissue where blood circulation may be limited such as your fingers, toes, nose and ears. To minimize frostbite, make sure all body parts are well covered. When frostbite starts, feeling is lost in the affected area and the frozen tissue will take on a white or pale appearance. If you suspect you are experiencing frostbite, hold the frostbitten area closely against warm skin to return blood flow and warmth to the affected area.
 
Hypothermia is a dangerously low body temperature and is the most common winter weather killer. When you hear of a hiker, climber, hunter, or a stranded traveler perishing from cold weather exposure, hypothermia was the cause. Most people are surprised to learn that hypothermia deaths can occur with temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees. If you or tour clothing are wet, then hypothermia becomes even more likely. 
 
Warning signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Immediate medical attention should be given to victims suspected of suffering from hypothermia. If no help is available, the victim should be warmed slowly with warm liquids along with dry clothing and blankets.
 

When cold weather threatens, follow these tips for survival...

  • Stay dry. Wet clothing results in much faster heat loss from your body. Wear waterproof insulated boots.
  • Stay covered. Wear mittens or gloves, and wear a hat. At least half of your body heat is lost if your head is not covered.
  • Dress layered. Trapped air between loose fitting clothing helps to insulate.

  • Stay informed. Have a portable NOAA weather radio nearby to keep you up-to-date with the latest forecasts and warnings. Use wind chill temperatures to guide you in dressing properly for the outdoors. On very cold days, minimize your exposure to the outdoors if possible.

     

    Other Winter Weather Safety Information from the National Weather Service