Winter Storm in Western Columbia Gorge, Washington

There were several reports of 5 to 8 inches of snow in the Western Columbia River Gorge in less than 12 hours. This snow was followed with a quarter of an inch of ice in many locations.

A cold snap hit the Pacific Northwest before moist Pacific air moved in and resulted in one of the earliest snow, sleet, and freezing rain events in southwest Washington. Sleet and freezing rain in particular created hazardous commutes for the Vancouver Metro Area. Some snow fell, but accumulations were primarily restricted to the Cascade valleys and the central Columbia River Gorge.