Four Yoncalla residents are okay after being stranded in the snow north of Cougar Bend on Sunday.  The Newell family tried to exit the mountains but found the way blocked by a gate.  They tried other roads but got disoriented by the plethora of options.  That’s when their two-wheel-drive station wagon got stuck in the snow.  23-year-old Kyle Newell called 911.  Search and rescue coordinator John Miller says despite GPS information it still took several hours to reach them.

Miller:  “Even with coordinates we had snow and trees down and it was a challenge just to find their vehicle through the variety of road systems that were up there.”

Given the erratic weather conditions, miller recommends leaving an itinerary with someone at home, bringing a shovel, extra food, and clothing when sojourning.