Weird weather yesterday in Camas/Washougal (Vancouver, Orchards: rental, neighborhoods, to buy)

[Tbrooks]

Hi all ~ My family has just relocated to the Camas/Washougal area from Central Florida. We are very happy, love the area and the schools.

So yesterday what was up with that weird snow fall around 6:30 p.m.? My daughter and her friend had just walked down Stonegate/LeBraun road when I got a call from her that it was snowing (pretty hard) and to please come and get them (Stonegate/LeBraun road is a very steep road connecting the Lookout Ridge/Granite Highlands neighborhoods to Shepard Drive.) I immediately drove down the road, retrieved them, and proceeded back up the hill. I could hardly make it! My car's traction and Ice lights were on and I was only able to go about 3 miles an hour uphill. I was terrified that we were going to slide backwards, and there was no place to pull over as the road is simply too vertical. It all happened so fast and now I'm wondering if there was something else I could/should have done. Of course I will avoid driving in bad weather, but I had no idea how bad it was, and how quickly it happened. When I did get to the top of the hill I could hear ambulances for about 10 minutes.

I'd appreciate any insight the local Camas/Washougal folks can offer this recent FL transplant! Thanks!

[PNW-type-gal]

If you live on a steep hill near the Gorge, you can count on this type of ice/snow event several times a winter, at minimum. Cold "winter" weather is possible from about November to April. Generally it doesn't last more than a day to a couple of days, but there are colder years when it's longer than that.

It's a very good idea to buy (and learn how to use) cable chains for your car - although check the owner's manual, some cars don't have enough clearance for even cable chains and then the choices are winter-rated tires or studded tires. Or staying home.

I'm not sure how to put this politely, but if you don't know how to drive in that type of weather, and you aren't prepared for it, you do yourself, your family and everyone else on the road a disservice by being a moving (or not) hazard.

[hml1976]

Well, it isn't his fault that he wasn't prepared for the weather. They unfortunately don't hand out a "Welcome to the Northwest" packet when you move here. In fact, everyone tells you how moderate the weather is and how it hardly ever snows. Just because the poster isn't familiar with the weather doesn't mean he doesn't have a right to be here.

Tbrooks - we just moved here from Tennessee, I feel your pain However, I grew in Canada so have some recollection of how to drive in the snow. I second the poster's suggestion for chains if you're on a big hill. Other than that, take it slow, a few times out in it and you'll be an expert.

[PNW-type-gal]

Originally Posted by hml1976

Well, it isn't his fault that he wasn't prepared for the weather. They unfortunately don't hand out a "Welcome to the Northwest" packet when you move here. In fact, everyone tells you how moderate the weather is and how it hardly ever snows. Just because the poster isn't familiar with the weather doesn't mean he doesn't have a right to be here.

Nowhere in my post did it say the original poster didn't have a right to be here. The slightest bit of research on a weather site, though, would have told anyone that it snows here and that ice, especially black ice, and sleet are occasional problems. The weather IS mild compared to huge chunks of the US - that doesn't mean that there isn't ever any unpleasant weather (although I always like the snow, myself). Moving in the Camas/Washougal area, especially if it's one of the hill areas exposed to Gorge winds, means more ice and sleet than other parts of the Portland Metro areas get.

I WAS saying that anyone who lives here needs to learn how to deal with snow and ice, however temporarily it might be snowy or icy on the roads.

[Tbrooks]

Yes, all points well taken and thanks for the advice. I now realize the road is hazardous when this kind of snow is present, though I haven't noticed any of my neighbors w/chains. The weird thing is that this all took place in the span of about 10 minutes. Honestly, it had been sunny, then overcast, then snowing so quickly. Going down the hill I could see the pavement clearly, but going right back up (just minutes later) it was completely covered in ice/snow. No exaggeration! It snowed for about 10 more minutes and that snow stayed put for about an hour (and it was beautiful!) Just really bad timing w/my daughter at the bottom of the hill, calling for help. She and her friend had just hiked down and the weather was fine, and I had just returned from the grocery store w/o incident. Okay, I am sufficiently freaked out and will not attempt to ascend or descend this hill if there is ice or snow. I did google "driving on ice" immediately after this experience but none of the info seemed to address what I think was kind of a unique situation. I'm thinking I may just need to expect the unexpected when it comes to WA weather and stay up or down the hill when snow strikes... damn the kids!!

[PNW-type-gal]

Fast hail or ice storm aren't uncommon, but they can leave the roads very hard to drive, even if it's for a short time.

There is a driving school down at PIR (the local road race track) called Pro Drive that has a skid car and teaches adverse condition driving in it. The advantage of a skid car is that the instructor can simulate icy conditions, just like the roads, but at 10 miles an hour instead of 40, giving the student the chance to learn bad weather driving.

Besides, it's fun sliding cars sideways in a 100% controlled environment.

[diggitydot]

Originally Posted by Tbrooks

The weird thing is that this all took place in the span of about 10 minutes. Honestly, it had been sunny, then overcast, then snowing so quickly.

Yep, that's actually pretty typical of weather in the area. Particularly when snow or ice arrives unexpectedly. That's why a LOT of people immediately leave work when the reports begin coming in of a winter ice storm on it's way. The weather can turn nasty in a hurry. But not always. Sometimes it's just the luck of the draw as to which way things go.

Don't let it freaked you out too much, though. Just being aware that there's the chance of these weird little blips most anytime during late winter to early spring and taking steps to be prepared go a long way. Granted, this is a little late for it to happen, but not totally unheard of, either. Also, the higher your elevation and/or the closer your proximity to the gorge, the more likely you are to experience these quickly changing weather conditions. I can't tell you how many times I witnessed hail, snow, rain, and sunny weather...all within a few hours of each other, while growing up in Camas/Washougal.

As for chains, I don't know anyone who uses them unless they're trying to head over the passes during the winter time or up to the mountain to go skiing/snowboarding. Most people I know in Camas/Washougal use studded snow tires. The local Les Schwab shops are usually very busy switching out regular tires for snow/studded snow tires when the weather reports call for snow/ice.

[tutugranny]

Hi .. I have been reading all the posts regarding bad winter weather.. My husband and I moved from Big Island in Hawaii last April(he is Native Hawaiian) and now live in Orchards.. we are elderly,70 & 74.. and we are interested in finding a place in Washougal.. but need more information as we have never been there but planning a ride this week. I was told the wind is terrible and it snows big time and can get snowed in. I am especially worried about THAT! And what stores are there? Is a Win Co near there ? We would be renting as well so how are the rental pricing there as well?

[StealthRabbit]

Why would you want to go to Washougal? (unless you want to be near the gorge for hiking, and like to watch the weather). As you will be driving to Vancouver a lot in the next 15 yrs.

Only have a Safeway, Grocery Outlet, and food 'mini-mart' . (+ Farmer's market in season... short season). Bimart is very nice to have, but we could use a Fred Meyers for food selection, clothes, and hardware.
Nearest Winco is 134th. Very limited medical care in area.

Wind IS bad at times, and it is probably 10F colder that Orchards. Snow is not so bad, but freezing rain can be. Washougal town area is not too bad for wind, but 5 miles east is REAL BAD, as well is elevations above 1000'.

Why don't you consider Salmon Creek, Pleasant Valley, Glenwood area, Hazell Dell, or Minnehaha. Close to services, banana belt, good soils for gardening, close to public transportation

[tutugranny]

My husband wants to be around some water.. LOL Even if it isn't the Pacific Ocean.. I'm not wanting to leave WA and go back to Hawaii and I was thinking of Washougal as he would be near the river etc.. I am concerned about the winter weather there if its as bad as this past winter in Orchards.. and the high winds as I have read about.. Guess we will just have to go there tomorrow and see what its all about.. I read about the paper mill and the smell.. gads. I remember a place in Alabama in my growing up years ..the smell was horrible.. At any rate we will go check it out in Washougal and see what HE thinks about the move.. Our lease is finished Sept 1 and we need to be lookling around as time goes by really fast. Thank you for your fast reply and A Hui Ho!!