Heavy Snow — Northern Blue Mountains, Oregon

2025-03-15 to 2025-03-16 · Northern Blue Mountains, Oregon

Event narrative

The High Ridge SNOTEL measured 10 inches of new snow in a 20 period ending at 2000 PDT on March 15th. The Milkshakes SNOTEL measured 10 inches of new snow in a 24 hour period ending at 0200 PDT on March 16th.

Wider weather episode

An upper level trough and surface cold front passage enhanced by an atmospheric river produced bands of moderate to heavy snowfall across portions of our mountain zones within the atmospheric river path through the weekend. Ahead of the trough passage, an area of enhanced lift developed over central Oregon, resulting in heavy snowfall occurring the afternoon the 16th.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1249223. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.