Winter Storm in Wenatchee Area, Washington

A strong winter storm brought moderate to heavy snow, with some freezing rain, across the Wenatchee area along the Columbia River. Snow accumulations were significant - 24 hour totals from 15 to 25 inches and 48 hour totals reaching 20 to 30 inches. There were reports of 2 inches of snow per hour for the first 12 hours of the storm. Near Chelan and Ardenvoir, there were numerous large snow slides leading to the closure of State Route 97. Blowing snow, due to strong winds, create poor visibility and difficult driving conditions.

A deep and slow moving storm system, with a deep fetch of Pacific moisture, delivered widespread moderate to heavy snow to the Inland Northwest tonight into Thursday. The winter storm severely impact transportation for almost one week. During the event, numerous school districts cancelled school due to the hazardous winter driving conditions.