Heavy Snow in Northeast Blue Mountains, Washington

A deep low pressure system tracking through Oregon in combination with an arctic area of high pressure over British Columbia resulted in strong northerly winds and snow with areas of blizzard conditions. Washington state activated its Emergency Operations Center. There were numerous school closures and traffic accidents. Portions of State Routes 2, 21, 23, 27, 28, 195, 231, and 261 were closed due to heavy snow, blowing snow, and drifting snow. In Grant County, Washington State Patrol responded to about four dozen snow related incidents, including vehicles sliding off roadways or becoming stuck in drifts. At least 13 vehicles were reported sliding off Interstate 90 in the Sprague area. In Wenatchee police responded to 34 traffic accidents due to slick roads. One mile west of Wenatchee, two people were injured when losing control on the snow and ice. In Chelan, a large locust tree was blown over and damaged a fence. Snow accumulations from the storm ranged from four to eight inches, with locally nine inches. The highest accumulations reported of nine inches were seven miles north of Newport, and in Colfax.