Heavy Snow — Western Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

2017-01-10 to 2017-01-11 · Western Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Event narrative

A local TV meteorologist reported 4 inches in Corbett, and there was another report of 4 inches of snow in Gresham. Further east in the Gorge, 8-12 inches fell. Seems likely with 8-12+ inches east and west of this zone that somewhere near Cascade Locks got at least 4-6 inches of snow. I 84 was closed for 15 hours due to hazardous road conditions.

Wider weather episode

A strong low pressure system moved up from the southwest and overran an existing cold, deep airmass. Surface temperatures as precipitation started were just above freezing, but with heavy showers, precipitation quickly turned over to snow during the early evening hours. Embedded thunderstorms enhanced snowfall rates around the Portland Metro area for a crippling snowstorm Tuesday evening. Snow continued to fall through Wednesday morning.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 677355. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.