Clark County History: Columbia River freezes over By Martin Middlewood for The Columbian
Published: January 24, 2021, 6:00am
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4 Photos Clarence Murray made the iced-over river a landing strip for an American Eagle, 90 horsepower biplane on Jan. 31, 1930. Celebrating their landing, a photographer captured Murray, right, and his son, Glenn, standing on the frozen Columbia River. This was the last time the river froze over. (Columbian files) Photo Gallery
The Columbia River froze at Vancouver on Jan. 26, 1847, according to the Farmers’ Almanac. That winter was among the coldest and corralled the HBMS Modeste in ice. Taking advantage of the time to play, the ship’s and Hudson’s Bay officers crafted makeshift curling stones and turned to a friendly game. The ship’s officers won.