Blizzard Triggers Power Outages and Closures in Oregon and Washington Ski Areas

In a major weather event, Oregon and Washington faced significant disruptions due to a severe blizzard that struck mountainous regions on Tuesday. The storm’s impact was extensive, leading to numerous power outages and the closure of key highways and ski resorts. In Washington, the Department of Transportation made a crucial decision to close two mountain passes: U.S. Route 2 through Stevens Pass and U.S. Route 97 through Blewett Pass. This decision was due to the combination of high winds and poor visibility, compounded by fallen trees on Blewett and substantial snow accumulation on Stevens.

The Stevens Pass ski resort reported receiving 19 inches of new snow, which led to the temporary closure of the back side of the ski area for safety reasons. The resort expressed its intention to reopen this section once conditions stabilize. Meanwhile, over 150,000 customers in Washington state experienced power outages as the storm progressed.

In Oregon, the blizzard’s severity led to the shutdown of several ski resorts, including Mount Hood Meadows, Timberline Lodge, and Skibowl. This information, covered by KGW-TV, highlights the widespread impact of the storm across both states, emphasizing the challenges posed by such extreme weather conditions.