High Wind — Western Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

2017-12-07 to 2017-12-11 · Western Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Event narrative

Weather station at Corbett High School measured fairly continuous east winds, occasionally measuring to 75 mph+ for a 4-day stretch from the 7th to the 11th. The max wind measured was 48 mph sustained with gusts to 88 mph. Peak winds at Vista House are unknown because the winds blew the sensor off the building. Several trees and some power lines were blown down. One tree fell into a house in Corbett, injuring one person.

Wider weather episode

A persistent ridge sat over the area for several days, with strong high pressure solidly entrenched over the Columbia River Basin, and relatively lower pressure west of the Cascade Crest. With a strong pressure gradient across the Cascades, the Columbia River Gorge developed very strong winds which persisted for several days.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 732691. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.