I lived here in Portland area in 1971 and for most of my life.
I totally disagree with the wind direction you are alleging. That’s just not the wind direction I have ever witnessed in almost all of my years and definitely not the direction on Nov 24, 1971.
Based on your experience, what is the typical wind direction? And what was the wind direction that night?
Thanks for asking ! First off oftentimes meteorologists on Portland T V stations have mentioned the various reasons weather is quite difficult to forecast accurately. We have coastal Winds, The Columbia River gorge winds, and Portland actually has 4 hills within its immediate area. I lived in Mt. Scott area, Mt. Tabor a semi dormant Volcano, Rocky Butte which overlooks PDX, and Council Crest where I delivered Mail for many year.Portland weather is also affected by the Cascades and Costal Range. Starting at PDX Heading East a few miles we enter Gresham and go a few more miles and you’re in Troutdale which is the entrance to the scenic Columbia River Gorge. Wow ! Now depending upon the time of year, The Gorge can produce an entirely different weather. Hood River and John Day are regarded as the wind Surfing Capital of the world by some !
My point being that weather just North of Portland isn’t always a true measure of what’s going on in Vancouver, Battleground, Ariel etc.
On the night of Nov 24, 1971, I would say the wind was from the SSW or blowing North Easterly in Portland area.
Also this is the most common direction of the wind direction in this area and Im including where I presently reside which is just East of Vader and 7 miles SW of Toledo. The wind direction is easily detected here because of the many wildfires to my North and East. So far not any smoke reaching my area. You might also note that when Mt. St. Helens erupted in 1960, the heaviest ash deposits were in Spokane area and went as far As Kalispell, Montana.I lived in Happy Valley area at that time. From my point of view, winds coming from the East is uncommon in Cooper country ! JMHO I’d also like to add that V 23 seems to be where I see most commercial Airline flights every Day from my view as I can see Mt St. Helens clearly from my living room. Hope this helps clarifying my thoughts.
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