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Springtime Surprise

Unexpected April storm blankets area in snow; extends local students' spring break

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Snow falls in northwest Camas near Grass Valley Elementary School on Monday, April 11, 2022. (Photos by Doug Flanagan/Post-Record)

An unexpected snowstorm blanketed Camas-Washougal on Monday, April 11, causing the Camas and Washougal school district to cancel classes and activities on what was supposed to be Camas’ students first day back to school after a week-long spring break.

The National Weather Service reported the springtime snowfall, which ranged from 2 to 12 inches in parts of Clark County, was the first measurable snowfall the Portland-Vancouver metro area has experienced in mid-April. The NWS reported Washougal received 11 inches of snow and 7.6 inches of snow accumulated in Camas on Monday.

The snowy weather came just a few days after the region experienced balmy temperatures in the high 70s on Thursday, April 7.

Weather forecasts on Tuesday showed a chance for more snow in the area on Wednesday, April 13.

“Cooling temperatures and showers moving into the area after midnight tonight will likely result in snow mixing down to the valley floor prior to and during the morning commute on Wednesday,” the NWS reported Tuesday. “Any lowland snow that does occur should melt quickly late Wednesday morning into Wednesday afternoon.”

Snow falls on the playground at Grass Valley Elementary School in Camas on Monday, April 11, 2022.
Snow falls on the playground at Grass Valley Elementary School in Camas on Monday, April 11, 2022. Photo
Snow falls on a sign announcing the dates of Camas School District's spring break outside Grass Valley Elementary School in Camas on Monday, April 11, 2022. District officials granted students an extra day of spring break, cancelling all classes and activities due to the snow.
Snow falls on a sign announcing the dates of Camas School District's spring break outside Grass Valley Elementary School in Camas on Monday, April 11, 2022. District officials granted students an extra day of spring break, cancelling all classes and activities due to the snow. (Photos by Doug Flanagan/Post-Record) Photo