High Wind in East Slopes of the Oregon Cascades, Oregon

Very strong winds aloft were transported to the surface over portions of central Oregon during the morning of January 23rd via both mountain wave and downslope mechanisms. Significant tree damage and power outages were reported between La Pine and Sunriver and in the Sisters area. While in-situ wind measurements are sparse in these areas, the Sisters airport reported a gust of 64 knots (74 mph) and a weather spotter near Three Rivers measured a gust of 61 knots (70 mph) with a handheld anemometer. Isolated marginally severe gusts around 50 knots (58 mph) were also observed along some of the more exposed ridge tops of north central Oregon. The upper slopes of Mt Bachelor also saw winds approaching 87 knots (100 mph) that prompted closure of all ski lifts.