Willamette Valley: A Chance for Snow This Week?
This week, northwest Oregon is in for a chillier and wetter spell. The big question on everyone's mind is whether snow will reach the Willamette Valley floor, affecting places like Portland, Salem, and Eugene. There's also curiosity about how this weather might impact schools in nearby areas such as Mill City, Oakridge, and McKenzie Bridge.
National Weather Service Insights
The National Weather Service has shared some insights. Meteorologists predict that each night and early morning this week, there's a possibility of snow in the Willamette Valley. However, it's likely to be just flurries that melt as soon as they touch the ground. There's a small chance that a few spots might see a light dusting of snow.
Best Opportunities for Snow
The best opportunities for snow to stick around on the valley floor are expected during the nights of:
- February 18-19
- February 19-20
But predicting exactly where and when snow will accumulate is tricky, especially this far in advance.
Higher Elevations and Mountain Areas
For higher elevations and areas near the mountains, the chances of seeing a few inches of snow are higher. Towns like Detroit, Oakridge, and Brightwood have a 20-40% chance of getting 4 inches of snow. Places like Mill City and Coast Range towns such as Vernonia might see a bit less.
Travel Advisory
Travel between the Willamette Valley and the Oregon Coast could be a bit tricky this week. The Cascade Mountain passes are expected to see "a few feet" of snow. This gradual accumulation is good news for Oregon, which currently has the smallest snowpack since 1981.
Looking Ahead
The forecast for the next 10 days includes snow each day, with a continued trend of cool and wet weather. Both the six to 12 day forecast and the eight to 14 day forecast from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration suggest conditions that favor mountain snow in Oregon.
