Winter Storm — Northern Oregon Cascades, Oregon

2004-01-06 to 2004-01-09 · Northern Oregon Cascades, Oregon

Wider weather episode

A strong winter storm packing the powerful punch of a frigid arctic airmass, heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain, along with strong east winds through and near the Columbia River Gorge snarled travel, forced the closure of most schools and businesses, and resulted in widespread power outages and properly damage in Northwestern Oregon. Strong high pressure built up east of the Cascade Mountains by January 5th, which forced frigid air through the Columbia River Gorge into Northwest Oregon. A Pacific low pressure system brought moist Pacific air over the top of this cold dome, producing the widespread snow...sleet...and freezing rain throughout the area, and blizzard conditions in Columbia River Gorge. Snowfall totals ranged from 2 to 3 inches along the the North Oregon Coast to from 2 to 8 inches in the Willamette Valley and up to 27 inches in the Cascade Mountains. Accumulations of up to 2 inches of sleet and freezing rain followed the snowfall. The Portland metropolitan area received 5 to 8 inches of snow, followed by one to two inches of sleet and freezing rain, which limited or halted most forms of travel and resulted in cancellation of over 1300 flights at Portland International Airport, stranding 90,000 passengers. Portland's light rail train system was shut down during the peak of the freezing rain January 6th and 7th. Most businesses and schools were also closed on January 6th and 7th, longer in many areas. Blizzard conditions in the Columbia River Gorge resulted in the closure of Interstate 84 between Troutdale, Oregon and Hood River Oregon, and Washington State Route 14 between Washougal, Washington and White Salmon , Washington during the same period, halting east-west travel through the Gorge and stranding hundreds of trucks at both ends of the Gorge. Weight from the snow and ice buildup resulted in widespread downed trees and power lines, leaving 46,000 customers without power, and collapsed roofs at Portland's Gunderson Steel and Rail, Fred Meyer stores in Gateway and Clackamas, and a barn in Forest Grove that killed 4 horses. The roof over a boat marina in Scappoose collapsed, sinking 4 boats and damaging many others. Snowfall in the Cascades ranged from 8 inches at Blue Box Pass and Bennett Pass to 27 inches at Timberline Lodge and White River. President Bush declared Northwestern Oregon a Disaster Area, and Oregon Governor Kulongoski estimated the cost of damages to public property at $16 million. No deaths or serious injuries were attributed to the storm.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5384397. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.