Oregon Historical Event: Christmas Flood of 1964 | written by Stuart C Vaughters

 A major flood in the Pacific Northwest and Northern California in December 1964 and January 1965 has been labeled the Christmas flood of 1964. Oregon Governor Mark Hatfield declared a State of Emergency on Tuesday, Dec. 22, 1964. Driven by a combination of heavy rain, melting snow, and frozen ground caused extreme runoff, erosion and flooding throughout the Pacific Northwest. In Oregon, at least 17 people died because of the disaster. The National Weather Service rated the flood as the 5th most destructive weather event in Oregon in the 20th century. Click here to read more about this historical event.