Oregon’s coldest winter days may still be coming

Associated Press

CORVALLIS, Ore. — As the calendar moves past the halfway point to spring this week, it may seem the worst of winter is over in much of Oregon, but researchers say history shows February has set records in the state’s traditional cold spots.

In February 1933, the temperature fell to minus 54 degrees in the towns of Seneca and Ukiah, a record for Oregon.

"Seneca is known as ‘Oregon’s icebox’ for good reason," said George Taylor, an Oregon State University professor who also serves as the state climatologist.

Both Seneca and Ukiah lie in high valleys in eastern Oregon. Ukiah is just south of Pendleton on U.S. 395, while Seneca is farther south on the highway in the desert near Burns.

"It is nestled in Bear Valley, a high-levation bowl surrounded by mountains," Taylor said of Seneca, which is 4,700 feet above sea level.

"On calm, clear nights — which are frequent in the area — cold air flows steadily downward and pools in the valley below," Taylor said. "That downward movement of cold air creates what is called a frost hollow effect, and it can happen at any time of the year, even in the summer."

In 1986, the temperature in Seneca remained below zero for 21 consecutive days.

During the last half-century, Seneca has recorded temperatures of minus 40 degrees or colder during eight different winters, dropping to minus 48 degrees in 1989.

Taylor said February began as normal during the record cold year of 1933 before frigid air built up over Siberia and strong west winds carried it to Alaska and as far south as Texas.

During that stretch from Feb. 9-10,1933, temperatures dropped to minus 23 degrees in Seminole, Texas; minus 63 in Moran, Wyo.; and minus 54 degrees in Seneca and Ukiah, Ore. — all state records.

Fortunately, Taylor says, it didn’t last. By Feb. 11, 1933, mild maritime air pushed out the arctic air from Seneca and the thermometer reached 45 degrees — an increase of 99 degrees in 36 hours.