Snow

Agencies that keep tabs on Northwest rivers and snowpack have been shedding scientists under the Trump administration.

Friends found the couple deceased shortly before midnight. Their bodies were buried by an avalanche in Happy Valley, a popular winter recreation area near Broken Top Mountain in the Central Cascades mountain range. Search and rescue crews recovered the bodies Tuesday morning.

A lack of snow along a dangerous stretch of trail has led organizers of the world’s most famous sled dog race to move the start of the Iditarod farther north.

Photos and posts, sent in from people across Oregon on social media, have helped forecasters understand the winter storm.

The northern Willamette Valley, including Portland and Vancouver, is under a winter storm warning. An ice storm warning is in place for the central and southern valley.

If Oregon’s recent cold snap has you shivering, and the ice and snow in the forecast seem unusual, take solace. The state climatologist feels it too – even when he’s looking at data that seems to contradict the way he feels.

Several Oregon school districts, including Portland Public Schools, announced they will be closed Thursday.

Western Oregon awoke to sub-freezing temperatures Wednesday, while much of Eastern Oregon saw temperatures well below zero.

Drivers should keep in mind that the overnight snow in the Portland metro area could impact the Wednesday morning commute.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm warning for the northern and central Oregon Cascades.