Heavy Snow — Ochoco-john Day Highlands, Oregon

2023-03-09 to 2023-03-10 · Ochoco-john Day Highlands, Oregon

Event narrative

The SNOTEL Ochoco Meadows measured 12 inches of snowfall between 0800 on March 9th and 1500 on March 10th. The SNOTEL Lake Creek R.S. measured 9 inches of snow between 0200 on March 9th and 1000 on March 10th.

Wider weather episode

A deepening area of low pressure dropping down the BC coastline tracked into the Pacific Northwest, which in combination with the northern edge of an atmospheric river to the south of the CWA lead to heavy mountain snow particularly in the Ochocos and Oregon Cascades. A lee side surface low due to the passing disturbance also enhanced strong winds along the base of the Blue Mountain foothills.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1090700. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.