Fiftieth Anniversary Exploration of
the 1962 Columbus Day Windstorm
7:30 PM,
October 11, 2012 in Kane 120 on the University of Washington Seattle
campus
On October 12, 1962 the most powerful and damaging storm since the
arrival of European settlers struck the Pacific Northwest, bringing
winds exceeding 100 mph as well as extensive loss of life and
property. It is believed that this storm, unforecast the day
before, was the most powerful non-tropical storm to hit the
conterminious U.S. over the past century.
On the eve of the fiftieth anniversary of the storm, at 7:30
PM on October 11, 2012, the University of Washington, Department of
Atmospheric Sciences, will sponsor a gathering on the UW campus to
review the Columbus Day storm and its impact. Professor Cliff
Mass will begin with a description of the nature of the storm and the
extreme conditions is produced. Windstorm expert Wolf Read will
compare the storm to other great windstorms and describe some of the
massive damage that ensued. Mr. Mark Cole, present on the Mt.
Hebo radar site that day, will tell about the hurricane-force winds
that tore about the radar dome, and we expect to have personal
testimony from others. Finally, the audience will be provided
time for questions or their own rememberances of that fateful
day. Mr. Steve Pool of KOMO-TV will serve as master of ceremonies.
The gathering will take place in Kane 120 and ask that anyone wishing
to attend please register at this
site. Only registrants will be guaranteed admission.
There is no cost for attending this meeting and parking (for a fee) is
available in the underground lot beneath Kane Hall.
Securing the room and its infrastructure will be costly (and
unbudgeted) so if any of the attendees would like to provide a
contribution to help support this evening (or a gift to the department
for research
and teaching), you can provide your assistance at the UW Foundation Web
Site (Cliff Mass Research Fund).
When you contribute, there is a place for comments, please note the
Columbus Day Windstorm gathering.
The entrance to the parking garage is on 15th Ave NE
(neal...provide a link to a map).
