Cops' Charity Polar Plunge Canceled Because of Snow

Portland plungers deem conditions too polar.

Note: Not this Saturday, boldness does not imply willingness to jump into cold water.
This weekend's Polar Plunge is canceled in Portland—which is apparently far too polar at the moment.

The event is modeled off polar plunges in places like Wisconsin and New Jersey, where people sometimes die. The Portland plunge, organized by an association of Oregon Law Enforcement officers to benefit the Special Olympics, is normally a comparatively tame plunge—last year's plunge was on February 9, 2013, which had a high of 46 degrees

This year, though, it's actually vaguely polar in snowy Portland, meaning that it's far too cold for Portlanders to quickly dip into chilly water and then jump right back out.

"Due to treacherous weather, we are very sad to announce that we will NOT be holding the Polar Plunge events in Portland, Eugene and Corvallis on Saturday, February 8th," organizers said via Facebook. "We want our Plungers to be safe! We are working fast and furiously on a plan to distribute the merchandise you have all worked very hard to earn."

However, the event organizers assured supporters of the Special Olympics that they would still be able to give money to the cause.

This comes hot on the heels of news that the Worst Day of the Year Ride, also devoted to bad weather, would cancel its 45-mile ride on Sunday, Feb. 9, because of bad weather. WDOTY organizers it kept their less ambitious 15-mile urban route scheduled for Sunday, along with the hot chocolate and afterparty.

Keep warm, Portland! Here's the good word from Forecast Frankie in Nova Scotia telling you to hold fast in the wintry conditions. Be prepared, order your pizzas and Chinese food and buy cases of Pepsi and Coke. 

It's scary out there! 




WWeek 2015

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.