Morrow County lies along the Columbia Riverin the northern part of Oregon. It is wholly within Climate Division 6 (North central Oregon) established by the National Climatic Data Center. Below is a description of the climate of Division 6 followed by specific descriptions of Morrow County. Climate tables for various parameters, as observed at long-term climate stations in Marrow County, are included below.

Climate Division 6 — North Central Oregon

North Central Oregon, climatic Zone 6, is a relatively dry region lying east of the Cascade Mountains. The Cascades serve as an effective moisture barrier, causing storms to dump much of their moisture west of the peaks and leaving areas to the east in a "rain shadow." As a result, Zone 6 is generally rather dry. The region extends from the Columbia River southward over hill country to the forested mountain areas, which border climate Zone 7. The Columbia is used in irrigation, transportation and hydroelectric power, and therefore dominates the area.

This region is Oregon's major wheat producing area. Grain production on dry land farms is the main source of agricultural income except for the Hood River Valley, which produces mostly tree fruits. Despite relatively small dimensions, the latter is one of the most important production areas in the Northwest. Its annual income of approximately $60 million derives mostly from pears, apples, and cherries. Other important commodities produced in Zone 6 include green peas, irrigated truck crops, beef cattle, sheep, alfalfa, and poultry.

Just as most of Oregon, this region has a definite winter rainfall climate. The months of November through February generally receive the most precipitation due to winter storms, which bring rain to lower elevations and snow to higher ridges and peaks. Annual totals vary greatly and are proportional to elevation; some of the lower elevations receive less than 12 inches per year, while a few of the higher areas receive more than 40 inches. Occasional summer thunderstorms bring localized, occasionally heavy showers.

Figure 1 shows NOAA climate stations in Zone 6, which were in operation during the 1961-1990 period. Figure 2 shows the Morrow County region from the Oregon annual precipitation mapTable 1 lists normal monthly and annual precipitation for stations in Zone 6. Locations at the lowest elevations (adjacent to the Columbia) such as Arlington and Hermiston receive less than 10 inches per year. Precipitation increases steadily with elevation. Highest annual totals are found in the Blue Mountains along the extreme east border of the region, where totals exceeding 50 inches occur. Table 2 lists the average number of days with precipitation amounts exceeding certain thresholds.

The Columbia Gorge is a major east-west passageway connecting Zone 6 with the Willamette Valley and Oregon coast. Vigorous winds are common in and around the Gorge. During summer, wind direction is predominantly from the west, causing strong, steady winds within the Gorge and along the northern edge of Zone 6. These winds, in fact, make Hood River a world-renowned wind surfing location. Winter winds can blow from the west or the east and can reach speeds sufficient to cause widespread damage.

A major effect of the Gorge is a moderation of air temperatures near the Columbia by allowing maritime air to reach the area from the west; this can occur both in summer and winter. Occasionally, however, large-scale easterly flow brings very cold continental air to the region, resulting in extremely cold conditions. During such periods, the cold air passes westward through the Gorge, creating extreme conditions in the western valleys as well.

Table 3 lists normal monthly and annual temperatures in the region. Highest summer temperatures are observed at the low-lying points near the Columbia (i.e. Arlington, Hermiston, and Milton Freewater), while mean temperatures decrease with increasing elevation. Winter temperatures follow the same pattern with mildest temperatures at the lower elevation sites.

Table 4 lists average monthly and annual snowfall total for the various stations.

Median frost dates and length of the growing season are listed in Tables 5 and 6, respectively. These also follow the same elevation relationship evident in the temperature data: the longest growing seasons are in the mild and low elevation sites, while increasing elevation generally causes a shortening of the season. Arlington and Condon, both at nearly 3,000 feet above sea level, have much shorter growing seasons than lower sites such as The Dalles and Arlington.

Table 7 and 8 list average monthly and annual heating and growing degree days.

County Description

Established: Feb. 16, 1885
Population: 11,150
Area: 2,049 sq. mi.
Economy: Agriculture, food processing, dairies, utilities, forest products, livestock and recreation.
County Seat: Heppner

Morrow County, created from Umatilla County in 1885, is located east of the Cascades in north-central Oregon. It was named for J.L. Morrow, an early resident. Morrow County contains more than one million acres of gently rolling plains and broad plateaus. This rich agricultural land can be roughly divided into three occupational zones—increasing amounts of irrigation farming in the north; vast fields of wheat yielding to cattle ranches in the center; and timber products in the south. With the advent of center pivot irrigation technology, Morrow County became one of Oregon's fastest growing areas in terms of population, personal income, and agricultural and industrial development. The Port of Morrow, second largest in the state in terms of tonnage, serves as a gateway to Pacific Northwest and Pacific Rim markets.

(County information obtained from Oregon Blue Book)

Climate Tables (Morrow County, Oregon)