North Medford High School Gym Roof Collapses Under Heavy Snow; No Injuries Reported

North Medford High School’s gymnasium roof collapsed earlier today due to the immense weight of snow accumulated from a recent winter storm. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but the incident has prompted the school to remain closed on February 12 as structural experts, city officials, and emergency responders assess the damage and plan next steps. All other schools in the Medford School District will remain open, as inspections have confirmed their large-span buildings are structurally sound.

Incident Timeline

The collapse followed days of efforts to mitigate the snow load on the gym roof. On Friday, a crack was discovered in one of the gym’s trusses, prompting an immediate evacuation and securing of the facility. Medford Fire, city officials, and engineering crews worked to reduce the snow load, and athletic activities were relocated to other facilities.

This morning, multiple beams in the gym gave way under the weight of the snow, triggering an emergency response. Students were placed in a brief lockdown as a precaution, though there was no immediate threat. The lockdown was lifted shortly after.

At 10:47 a.m., the roof collapsed entirely. Emergency services responded quickly, isolating the gym from the rest of the campus. With the cafeteria closed, students were released early, with bus riders and those awaiting pickup directed to the auditorium.

Cause of the Collapse

Engineers estimate that approximately 700,000 pounds of snow had accumulated on the gym roof, far exceeding its structural capacity. The extreme weight caused the trusses to fail, leading to the collapse.

Seismic Upgrades and Structural Integrity

The gym had recently undergone seismic upgrades, including the installation of lighter roofing materials, removal of a cell tower, and reinforcement of the roofing diaphragm. While these upgrades did not cause the collapse, they likely helped the structure endure the snow load as long as it did. The reinforced walls remained standing, limiting the extent of the damage.

Officials noted that there is no indication of an engineering failure in the gym’s original construction, which had stood for 60 years without issue. A full engineering review will be conducted once the site is stabilized.

Preventative Measures Taken

In the days leading up to the collapse, significant efforts were made to reduce the snow load, including:

• Deploying a shoring team to reinforce the structure.
• Shoveling snow from the roof.
• Applying ice melt and heat tape cords.
• Using lifts to spray ice and snow off the roof.
• Pumping melted water to prevent pooling.

Despite these measures, the unprecedented weight of the snow proved too much for the structure to bear.

District-Wide Safety Assessments

The Medford School District has confirmed that all other large-span buildings across the district have been inspected and are safe for continued use. No signs of structural damage have been found at any other school.

Community Response

Superintendent Bret Champion expressed gratitude for the swift and professional response from emergency personnel, district staff, and city officials.

“Our priority is always the safety of our students and staff,” the district stated. “We are incredibly grateful to all who responded with care and professionalism today.”

Officials will continue to assess the damage and determine next steps in the coming days.