I think even Dewey would be offended by trying to equate Jan 2017 with Feb 1989. 1989 would have easily had impressive duration of freezing max temps if it had happened in early Jan like 2017.

The point is that they aren't allowed to stand in front of the entrance because its a very tense and difficult situation already. They need to stand back. Not really freedom of speech... more like a distance issue. Personal story here... my dad was part of the Knights of Columbus at their church in Bellingham and they would do many activities like serve coffee and donuts to travelers at the rest areas along I-5 and serve meals to the poor and one of their activities was to be outside the abortion clinic up there and pray for people. My dad is gone now but he was a biology teacher and science says life begins at conception and believed abortion was wrong and at the very least wanted women to think twice before going through with it. But he would never be confrontational about it... it was a just their presence that was important. Unfortunately my dad also hated Trump.

49 now!

I was just adding to your point. Jan 2017 had the persistent cold factor, especially for Portland. BLI did have a couple of sub-freezing highs early in Jan 2017. And a couple 33s. Average high for the first half of the month was like 35.

Best ski conditions I have ever seen in Tahoe before Thanksgiving that year. Had 48" of blower powder, and a temp of -8F on Thanksgiving morning.