Snow forecasted for the Gorge; Nov. 8th ballot drive-thru canceled

By Cole Goodwin

Readers Please note: A wind advisory is in effect for the Eastern Columbia River Gorge until 7 a.m. on Saturday Nov 5th and gusts are being clocked at 50 mph in White Salmon, WA. 

Dust off your winter coats! An atmospheric river is on it’s way through Oregon and Washington, brining flash flood warnings, dropping temperatures and maybe even the first snow of the year.

Weather charts are forecasting that high elevation areas (2500’ elevation or higher) in the Gorge, Trout Lake, and Goldendale could receive their first snowfall as early as Sunday Nov. 5th.

According to the National Weather Service, in the Cascade Range snow levels are forecasted to be at 1500’ elevation on Nov. 7th and 500’ on Nov. 8th, and 1000’ on Nov. 9th.

Lower elevations are expected to receive several inches of rain.

In light of the forecasted winter weather the Wasco County Clerk's Office, in conjunction with The Dalles Rotary Club, has canceled the 5th Street Ballot Drive-Thru Collection on Tuesday, November 8th. The decision was made to protect election workers from having to work and travel in snow and cold temperatures.

Weather analysts have forecasted 63% humidity and 30% chance of snow for The Dalles on the 8th, accompanied by temperature highs of 40°F and lows of 20°F, and winds of 7 mph. 

“We apologize for the inconvenience, but election worker safety is of utmost importance to our office,” read the announcement from Wasco County today. 

Voters are instead being encouraged to use one of the five 24-hour ballot drop boxes located in The Dalles or return their ballot through the mail. 

Ballots mailed on election day will count as long as they are postmarked the same day.

“We suggest asking the post office for a  “cancellation stamp” to ensure a date is clearly visible,” said Wasco County. 

There is also a ballot drop box in the County Clerk’s Office. The Wasco County Office will be open on election day from 7 a.m. to 8 pm. Wasco County can be reached at  541-506-2530 if citizens have any questions.