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Snow on Oregon Beaches for Spring Break, Roads Fine During the Day |
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Covering 180 miles of Oregon coast travel: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Waldport, Yachats & Florence.
03/27/08
Secrets of the Season |
Snow on Oregon Beaches for Spring Break, Roads Fine During the Day
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| Snow in Seaside in 2007 (photo Tiffany Boothe, Seaside Aquarium) |
(Cannon Beach, Oregon) – The National Weather Service (NWS) says more snow is coming not only to the coast range, but to the Oregon coast itself, actually issuing a snow advisory for the north coast and a winter weather warning in the coast range mountain passes to the beach towns.
With no small dose of surrealism, all this is happening in late March – in spring break.
The coast range already reported some heavy snowfall on Wednesday and Thursday morning, resulting in a spot of dangerous ice along Highway 6 in the early morning hours. However, Highway 26 was reportedly ice-free, with only accumulation by the side of the road.
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There’s still plenty of good news for spring breakers, however, as not only are conditions fine for driving during the day, but you’ll likely get to see the rare, coveted sight of snow on the beaches.
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| Cannon Beach in the snow (photo Tiffany Boothe, Seaside Aquarium) |
While snow amounts on the highways to the coast are predicted to reach as high as six to 12 inches, this is not likely to produce dangerous driving conditions during the daylight hours. Late night and early morning hours will likely be rather precarious, however. It is advised to wait until the sun warms up the temperatures before driving over the passes.
“It is possible that we could see some accumulations of snow from this new weather system that could exceed what we saw on Wednesday and Thursday,” the NWS said in its bulletin.
Low snow levels are expected to create another spectacle on the Oregon coast, with as much as one to two inches dropping there. It isn’t expected to stick around long, however.
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| Snow on the central coast (photo courtesy Stonecrest B&B) |
“Be prepared for snow covered roads and limited visibilities,” the NWS said of Highway 101 on the north coast.
For the coast range, the NWS has issued the more stern winter storm warning, saying, “ an unusually cold low pressure system for this time of year will bring significant snow to parts of the northwest Oregon and southwest Washington beginning Friday morning.
The Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun (nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies. 888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.theoceanlodge.com |
“Offshore winds ahead of this low will keep the snow levels quite low,” the NWS said. “A cold front will then move through Friday morning and early afternoon, followed by rather strong but cold onshore flow for more showers. A winter storm warning means significant amounts of snow, sleet and ice are expected.”
Some thunder is also possible in the coast range.
The NWS said travel could become hazardous along the coast routes during the colder temperature conditions.
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| Snow at Pacific City in 2007 |
Highs on the coast will reach 44 on Friday, and 39 in the coast range, which will melt most any snow left on the highway and rid it of ice in most spots. Lows in the coast range will be 27 overnight.
Saturday, more snow and showers are expected on the coast and coast range, with the passes reaching up to 41 by day. This should also alleviate any possible problems.
Brian Hines, owner of San Dune Inn in Manzanita, said he traveled to Portland and back on Thursday via Highway 26 and encountered no problems whatsoever, which will be good news to travelers hoping to head to the beaches for spring break.
“Flurries in the morning, nothing else,” Hines said. “Coming back tonight, totally bare pavement all the way.”
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Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com |
 Inn
at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south
end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by
the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach
strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering
gardens and naturalized courtyard pond. Warm, inviting guest rooms.
Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly.
Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine
and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At
Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.atcannonbeach.com. |
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D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the start. All rooms beachfront and up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach: the D River. Each room comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some w/ gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players; movies to rent come with free popcorn. Heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates orspecial occasion packages. www.dsandsmotel.com. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925. |
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Arch
Cape Property Services.
Dozens of homes in that dreamy,
rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch
Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the
sea. |
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Inn At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. Lincoln City’s only resort hotel built right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms - nestled against a rugged cliffside overlooking a soft, sandy beach. Dine in penthouse restaurant and bar, for casual meal or candlelight dinner. An array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest favorites, including decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from bedrooms to studios to 1-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators to full kitchens. Also, wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise room and year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game room and easy beach access. Full-service conference/meeting rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive wedding possibilities. 4009 SW Highway 101, Lincoln City. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.com |
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