Winter Storm — Western Columbia River Gorge, Washington

2011-01-11 to 2011-01-12 · Western Columbia River Gorge, Washington

Event narrative

A trained spotter in Hood River reported 4.5 inches of new snow accumulation, with similar snowfall on the Washington side of the Columbia River north of Hood River. Washington State Route 14 was impacted with snow and ice accumulation between Washougal and the White Salmon area.

Wider weather episode

A cold easterly wind through the Columbia River Gorge was keeping cold air trapped in the Gorge as a strong Pacific frontal system moved inland. This system spread precipitation over the Gorge starting as snow and changing over to freezing rain as the air mass warmed.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 278297. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.