December 2008 North American snowstorms
Encyclopedia
The Late December Snowstorms of 2008 were a series of snowstorms that struck across Canada
and the US. The snowstorms caused snow to fall across Canada and many parts of the United States, and broke records for the amount of snow accumulated in many cities on Christmas Day.
, British Columbia
, as a result of the snowstorms that dumped approximately 27 inches (68.6 cm) in the region. The first avalanche buried a group of seven men, and a second avalanche buried a group of four that were trying to help the first group. Three men pulled themselves out of the snow, but six died in the avalanche. Two are still unaccounted for.
saw above average snowfall throughout much of December 2008. Areas like Toronto
saw over 60 cm (23.6 in) in December and near Lake Huron
and Georgian Bay
snowfall amounts were in excess of 100+cm. Many areas near London, Ontario
and near the shorelines of Lake Huron had seen above average snowfall as well.
. On Friday, December 26, all 82 of the evening flights were canceled. There were also more than 400 flight cancellations at O'Hare. On Saturday the 27th, operations returned to near normal at Midway, although 36 flights were canceled because the aircraft were out of position following Friday's weather problems. There were also more than 100 flights called off Saturday at O'Hare.
in 40 years (however, the snowiest December in Portland was 1884, with over 31 inches (79 cm) of snow). The City of Portland
reported spending over $2 million on snow removal
, deicing of roads, and employee overtime due to the record levels of snowfall.
Tri-Met suspended many bus lines, at one point only having 24 of 120 routes running. Hundreds of flights arriving and departing from Portland International Airport
were canceled, leaving passengers and luggage stranded. Garbage services, privately run in the Portland area, were also canceled for two weeks.
and Vancouver, British Columbia.
The city of Seattle was criticized over its response to the snowfall. Mayor Greg Nickels
initially gave the city a "B" for its response to the snowstorm, but the director of the Department of Transportation admitted the city should have done things differently. The Seattle Department of Transportation did not use salt on the icy roads, opting instead to put sand and a chemical de-icer on the roads. The snowplows used by the city did not clear the roads entirely of snow, instead creating a hard snow-packed surface; this was done to minimize damage to the roads. The mayor later stated the city would use salt during future snowstorms, but the heavy criticism may have contributed to incumbent Mayor Nickels coming in third place in the next primary election.
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
and the US. The snowstorms caused snow to fall across Canada and many parts of the United States, and broke records for the amount of snow accumulated in many cities on Christmas Day.
Vancouver
The series of snowstorms broke a 44-year old record for the snowiest Christmas ever, with up to 28 inches (71 cm) of snow accumulated in some parts of the South Coast. It was the first white Christmas in Vancouver since 1998.Fernie
Two avalanches occurred near FernieFernie, British Columbia
Fernie is a city in the Elk Valley area of the East Kootenay region of southeastern British Columbia, Canada, located on BC Highway 3 on the eastern approaches to the Crowsnest Pass through the Rocky Mountains...
, British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
, as a result of the snowstorms that dumped approximately 27 inches (68.6 cm) in the region. The first avalanche buried a group of seven men, and a second avalanche buried a group of four that were trying to help the first group. Three men pulled themselves out of the snow, but six died in the avalanche. Two are still unaccounted for.
Ontario
Areas of Southern OntarioSouthern Ontario
Southern Ontario is a region of the province of Ontario, Canada that lies south of the French River and Algonquin Park. Depending on the inclusion of the Parry Sound and Muskoka districts, its surface area would cover between 14 to 15% of the province. It is the southernmost region of...
saw above average snowfall throughout much of December 2008. Areas like Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
saw over 60 cm (23.6 in) in December and near Lake Huron
Lake Huron
Lake Huron is one of the five Great Lakes of North America. Hydrologically, it comprises the larger portion of Lake Michigan-Huron. It is bounded on the east by the Canadian province of Ontario and on the west by the state of Michigan in the United States...
and Georgian Bay
Georgian Bay
Georgian Bay is a large bay of Lake Huron, located entirely within Ontario, Canada...
snowfall amounts were in excess of 100+cm. Many areas near London, Ontario
London, Ontario
London is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, situated along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. The city has a population of 352,395, and the metropolitan area has a population of 457,720, according to the 2006 Canadian census; the metro population in 2009 was estimated at 489,274. The city...
and near the shorelines of Lake Huron had seen above average snowfall as well.
Chicago
Thick fog caused by the storms were responsible for flight cancellations in both the Chicago Midway Airport and the US's second busiest airport, O'Hare International AirportO'Hare International Airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport , also known as O'Hare Airport, O'Hare Field, Chicago Airport, Chicago International Airport, or simply O'Hare, is a major airport located in the northwestern-most corner of Chicago, Illinois, United States, northwest of the Chicago Loop...
. On Friday, December 26, all 82 of the evening flights were canceled. There were also more than 400 flight cancellations at O'Hare. On Saturday the 27th, operations returned to near normal at Midway, although 36 flights were canceled because the aircraft were out of position following Friday's weather problems. There were also more than 100 flights called off Saturday at O'Hare.
Portland
The snowstorms were responsible for the most December snowfall in Portland, OregonPortland, Oregon
Portland is a city located in the Pacific Northwest, near the confluence of the Willamette and Columbia rivers in the U.S. state of Oregon. As of the 2010 Census, it had a population of 583,776, making it the 29th most populous city in the United States...
in 40 years (however, the snowiest December in Portland was 1884, with over 31 inches (79 cm) of snow). The City of Portland
Government of Portland, Oregon
The Government of Portland, Oregon, a city in the U.S. state of Oregon, is based on a city commission government system. Elected officials include a Mayor, a City Council, and a City Auditor. The mayor and commissioners are responsible legislative policy and oversee the various bureaus that...
reported spending over $2 million on snow removal
Snow removal
Snow removal is the job of removing snow after a snowfall to make travel easier and safer. This is done by both individual households and by governments and institutions.-De-icing and anti-icing:...
, deicing of roads, and employee overtime due to the record levels of snowfall.
Tri-Met suspended many bus lines, at one point only having 24 of 120 routes running. Hundreds of flights arriving and departing from Portland International Airport
Portland International Airport
Portland International Airport is a joint civil-military airport and the largest airport in the U.S. state of Oregon, accounting for 90% of passenger travel and more than 95% of air cargo of the state. It is located within Portland's city limits just south of the Columbia River in Multnomah...
were canceled, leaving passengers and luggage stranded. Garbage services, privately run in the Portland area, were also canceled for two weeks.
Washington
Seattle
The winter weather greatly affected the Seattle area, where snow brought the city to a standstill and temperatures reached record lows. Many holiday travelers were unable to reach their destinations when Greyhound canceled bus service, airlines canceled flights at Sea-Tac International Airport, and Amtrak shut down passenger service between Eugene, OregonEugene, Oregon
Eugene is the second largest city in the U.S. state of Oregon and the seat of Lane County. It is located at the south end of the Willamette Valley, at the confluence of the McKenzie and Willamette rivers, about east of the Oregon Coast.As of the 2010 U.S...
and Vancouver, British Columbia.
The city of Seattle was criticized over its response to the snowfall. Mayor Greg Nickels
Greg Nickels
Gregory J. "Greg" Nickels was the 51st mayor of Seattle, Washington. He took office on January 1, 2002 and was reelected to a second term in 2005. In August 2009, Nickels finished third in the primary election for Seattle mayor, failing to qualify for the November 2009 general election, and...
initially gave the city a "B" for its response to the snowstorm, but the director of the Department of Transportation admitted the city should have done things differently. The Seattle Department of Transportation did not use salt on the icy roads, opting instead to put sand and a chemical de-icer on the roads. The snowplows used by the city did not clear the roads entirely of snow, instead creating a hard snow-packed surface; this was done to minimize damage to the roads. The mayor later stated the city would use salt during future snowstorms, but the heavy criticism may have contributed to incumbent Mayor Nickels coming in third place in the next primary election.