Historic Hood River
Chinook Winds
12-28-2016
Notes
Fortunately we have some notes to go along with this 1920’s photo: “Chinook Wind, melting deep snowfields, sends torrents over Lost Lake Highway.”
Additional notes indicate this was a Fred Donnerberg photo, and that it showed damage to the new highway.
I remember a few years ago the National Weather Service was debating what to call these winds. Many of us wondered why they were looking for a name for something which already had a name. They eventually figured it out.
Kenn
I don’t see the water crossing a road, apparently made a route on and following the road, extreme destruction.
Have heard
Have heard these winds referred to as the Pineapple Express.
L.E.
I am wondering what was here, that caused Fred to take a photo. Boards and posts indicate some sort of structure. Perhaps a creek and bridge up ahead?
Yes, I remember the questionnaire about what to rename the Chinook Winds. Never mind that the lower Columbia River and coast is home to Chinook Indians, where the warm snow eating winds blow from.
L.E.
Arthur, are you able to read the board on the tree?
Arthur
L.E., I can’t read the sign on the tree but it looks very much like a sign I’ve seen in an Alva Day photo which says "Summit Elev. 3300". I think it marked the high point on the road to Lost Lake where you start to descend to the lake.