Winter Weather on Chehalem Mountains | The Springtime Cometh?
In January and February 2023 we experienced normal Oregon winter weather. Rain and moderate temperatures with some stretches of dry days – enough to get the vineyards pruned.
For some reason, we always seem to get a break in February and think that winter is subsiding and spring is here. This year, in mid-February, we received wave after wave of rain storms, wind and – on Chehalem Mountains – snow. This pattern has continued for weeks and snow even reached the valley floor in the Portland area.
At first, the snowfall looked pretty like a winter postcard and we enjoyed the views of the gardens and the enormous fir trees iced with a frosty coating. Temperatures remained low, so the melting was gradual over days and the roofs formed icicles.
After a few days, however, the “thrill was gone”. Even though we did not receive more than 10-12” it was hard to get out to plow our long drive and the snow became ice and slush, keeping us home for several days and canceling plans. We were making deliveries in our pick-up truck as our other vehicles could not get through.
The unblemished snow made it easy to see where the animals were hiding. Rabbits, raccoons and squirrels were making tracks to shelter and whatever food they could find. The deer were no where to be seen as they hunkered down in the woods where there was some grass. For now, I don’t have worry about them eating my tulips that are coming up!
Grapevine Winter Dormancy
The snow and cold temperatures are great thing for the vines; slow release moisture for the plants and killing off unwanted pests. In their dormancy stage, grapevines are protected by cold temperatures which prevent bud break from happening too early and allow the plants time for the next growth cycle. There will be plenty of moisture to replenish and clean the soil, reduce fire hazards, replenish aquifers and reduce weeds….
It is now mid-March, and we are ready for this winter weather pattern to stop. The Springtime Cometh?