The prospect of snow has some students at Mt. Hood Community College excited while others are not so enthused.

“I love it. It feels like home,” said student Megan Moeller.

Michael Waibel said, “I don’t dig it. Snow belongs in the mountains. It doesn’t do any good down here.”

Students at MHCC are talking more about the weather this week and the National Weather Service has predicted snow levels to be as low as 500 feet by Friday night.

The National Weather Service calls for a chance of snow in the Gresham area as soon as Friday night and continuing into Saturday with a high of 39 and a low of 31. In a special statement they also warned that low elevation snow is possible next week.

This week has seen highs in the mid to low 40s and lows down in the 20s, though with gusts up to 37 mph it feels colder because of the wind chill factor.

The ski resorts are excited about the prospect, as are skiers and snowboarders.
“It’s awesome, urban snowboarding,” said Matt Kavalunas.

MHCC student Casey Skoog said Thursday, “As I was driving to school this morning I looked through my windshield and thought ‘Hey that rain looks chunky.’ “

The school’s closure policy says that if the college closes due to inclement weather or an emergency, they will announce it via radio and television networks. This information will also be available on the MHCC website. The school will attempt to have the announcements made by 5:30 a.m.

If the announcement says MHCC is closed, “a total college closure is in effect.” All classes, activities, events and all other college locations scheduled for the day and evening will be canceled. Personnel are not to report for work and the gates will be locked.

If the announcement says MHCC opens late, the college will be closed until the time announced. No one is to report until that time and gates will be locked.