SEATTLE SPARED, PORTLAND PARALYZED

Although there was freezing weather and some ice in the Puget Sound region, you were spared the disaster that occurred down south. This past week's combined snow, ice, and windstorms in Oregon and SW Washington rank among the worst in our 23-year history. While we've seen heavier snow or thicker ice, the brutal combination caused unprecedented challenges.

Our Oregon team launched winter services early, pre-treating on Thursday night, 1/11, followed by snow clearing over the weekend. Ice removal dominated the rest of the week. Strong winds and record lows hampered equipment and crew efforts, but we're proud of our weekend push to prioritize urgent needs and prepare everyone for the workweek.

THEN CAME THE ICE STORM

Freezing rain is much more difficult to clear as it glues to the frozen ground. We spread our pre-treat liquid on parking lots and granular deicer on sidewalks Monday to hopefully help clear the ice after it fell. It is not uncommon to have freezing rain after a cold snap as the warm moist air of approaching Pacific storms over-rides the cold air at the surface coming out of the east. The east side of Portland always takes the longest to warm up due to the influence of the Columbia Gorge's outflow of cold air from the east. 

Unfortunately, cold air lingered, freezing rain clung, and temperatures continued below freezing in most locations throughout the week. Conditions got so bad, that the Governor of Oregon declared a state of emergency and many cities urged people to shelter in place as ice crippled roads and sidewalks. Throughout the week we had our crews working 12-15 hour shifts starting Tuesday morning through the remainder of the week. 

Road and sidewalk conditions were treacherous, and even with chains on we had several mishaps while trying to travel to sites. Despite mishaps and late freezes, our crews fought tirelessly, finally finishing Saturday. Exhausted but heroic, they tackled an epic storm.

STORM DAMAGE IS SIGNIFICANT

Between the strong winds, snow, and heavy ice clinging to trees and shrubs, this storm caused more damage than we have seen in years. Many trees lost limbs or are fully down, and we have already deployed our Arborist subcontractors to help clean up the most significant downed trees.

 As we get back to work today, we will be assessing each site and informing clients of damage and clean-up needs. Some sites will clean up quickly while others with greater damage will take longer.  

IS WINTER OVER?

El Niño's influence on the Northwest winter has taken a dramatic turn. While December lived up to forecasts of warmth and dryness, January unleashed a fierce storm on Oregon, thankfully sparing Washington for the most part. Now, the remaining winter paints a picture of prolonged sunshine, with above-average temperatures predicted through March for the Puget Sound region.

This warm outlook, however, sparks concerns about snowpack. Halfway through the season, Washington's levels are already falling behind, jeopardizing spring and summer water resources. While we welcome the sunshine, we hold out hope for a snowy reprieve, confined to the majestic peaks of the Cascades and Olympics.

But if winter weather comes to the Puget Sound, Team Orange is here for you.