Winter Storm — Vancouver Area, Washington

2004-01-06 to 2004-01-09 · Vancouver Area, Washington

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 Southwest Washington. Strong high pressure built up east of the Cascade Mountains by January 5th, which forced frigid air through the Columbia River Gorge into Southwest Washington. 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 3 inches in Camas to 5 inches at Raymond and Longview, 7 inches in Vancouver, 8 inches in Grays River, and two feet in the South Washington Cascades. Accumulations of up to 2 inches of sleet and freezing rain followed the snowfall. 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 2000 customers without power in Clark County. Clark Public Utilities estimated the storm cost between $1 and $1.5 million, while the city of Vancouver estimates up to $500,000 in damages.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5384405. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.