Does It Snow in Gaston Oregon

Learn about does it snow in gaston oregon

If you’re wondering does it snow in gaston oregon, here’s the short version: yes, but not often. Gaston sits in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, where winters are usually cool and wet. Light snow happens some years, with occasional bigger storms. This guide explains how much, when, and what locals expect.

Quick Answer

Snow in Gaston is occasional and light. Most winters bring a dusting to a few inches total, mainly between December and February. Some years see no measurable snow; every few years a storm can drop 4–8 inches and stick for 1–3 days. Higher foothills near Hagg Lake get more frequent snow.

What does it snow in gaston oregon Means

People ask this to find out:

  • How often it snows
  • How much typically falls
  • When it’s most likely
  • What travel or daily life looks like during winter weather

In short: you want to know if snow will affect commuting, school, wine tasting, or a weekend at Hagg Lake.

Why People Search for This in Gaston, Oregon

  • Thinking of moving to a small town near Forest Grove and Hillsboro
  • Planning winter winery visits (Elk Cove Vineyards, Montinore Estate)
  • Fishing, hiking, or biking around Hagg Lake/Scoggins Valley
  • Commuting along OR-47 between Forest Grove and Yamhill
  • Deciding if you need snow tires, chains, or a 4WD vehicle

What to Expect

  • How much snow:

    • Town and valley floor (around 200–300 ft): typically 2–5 inches total per winter, often falling in one or two minor events.
    • Foothills (400–1,000+ ft) west of town and around Hagg Lake see more frequent and deeper snow.

  • Timing:

    • Most likely: late December through February
    • Possible: late November or early March
    • Many years: no lasting snow at all

  • Storm pattern:

    • Common: brief dustings that melt the same day
    • Occasionally: 1–3 day cold snaps with 2–6 inches
    • Rare: bigger events (8"+) that can disrupt travel and utilities

  • Ice and freezing rain:

    • Possible in the Willamette Valley. Roads may become slick even without heavy snow. Bridges and shaded rural stretches (Patton Valley Rd, Cherry Grove area, Scoggins Valley Rd) ice up first.

  • Roads and driving:

    • OR-47 is the main route through Gaston; it’s plowed and sanded during storms, but expect delays and patches of black ice.
    • Hwy 6 to Tillamook (Coast Range) often has chain requirements and frequent snow.
    • Hagg Lake park roads can be icy; the park may delay opening or close during storms.

  • Temperatures:

    • Typical winter highs mid-40s°F, lows low-30s°F
    • Cold snaps can dip into the teens–20s°F, increasing snow/ice risk

Tips for Visitors / Residents

  • Before you go

    • Check ODOT TripCheck for OR-47 and Hwy 6 conditions.
    • Look at the NWS Portland forecast and local radar.
    • Headed to Hagg Lake? Check Washington County Parks status for closures.

  • Driving prep

    • Keep chains or true winter tires if you travel hills or Coast Range roads.
    • Carry a small winter kit: scraper, flashlight, blanket, water, phone charger.
    • Start early; shaded curves and bridges ice first.

  • At home

    • Expect brief power blips during heavy, wet snow. Have flashlights and batteries.
    • Trim problem branches before winter to reduce outage risk.

  • Out and about

    • Many wineries stay open year-round; call ahead during storms.
    • Trails around Hagg Lake can be muddy or icy; wear waterproof shoes.

Best Local Resources

  • ODOT TripCheck (tripcheck.com): Live cameras, chain requirements, incidents on OR-47 and Hwy 6.
  • National Weather Service – Portland: Detailed forecast, winter weather advisories for Washington/Yamhill Counties.
  • Washington County Roads: Plowing/sanding updates and road closures.
  • Henry Hagg Lake (Washington County Parks): Park status, winter closures, and hours.
  • PGE Outage Map: For local power outage info and restoration estimates.
  • Gaston School District / FlashAlert: School closure or delay notices.

Frequently Asked Questions About does it snow in gaston oregon

  • How far is Gaston from Portland?
    About 30 miles west of downtown Portland; roughly 45–60 minutes in normal conditions, longer during winter storms.

  • When is snow most likely?
    Late December through February. Early March and late November are possible but less common.

  • How much snow does Gaston usually get?
    Around 2–5 inches total per winter in town, with some winters seeing none and occasional storms dropping 4–8 inches. Higher elevations nearby get more.

  • Are roads plowed in Gaston?
    Yes. OR-47 and main connectors are plowed and sanded, but expect icy patches and slower travel. Rural and hillside roads may take longer to clear.

  • Is Hagg Lake open in winter?
    Usually, but temporary closures can occur for snow, ice, or downed trees. Check Washington County Parks before you go.

Summary

Snow in Gaston is occasional and usually light, with most activity between December and February. Expect brief dustings, occasional 1–3 day events, and more snow in the nearby foothills and Coast Range. Check TripCheck, NWS, and Parks updates during cold snaps, and plan extra time on OR-47 and around Hagg Lake.

  • Weather by Month in Gaston, Oregon
  • Winter at Hagg Lake: What to Know Before You Go
  • Driving OR-47 and the Coast Range in Winter