Heavy Snow — Central Willamette Valley, Oregon

2017-01-10 to 2017-01-11 · Central Willamette Valley, Oregon

Event narrative

Snowfall of 1 to 2 inches were reported in the Salem area and up to 11 inches at Chehalem Mountain near Newberg.

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 677386. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.