Oregon snowpack 141% of normal as ski areas extend seasons before questionable 2024
If ever there was a time to appreciate Oregon’s mountain snow, this spring is it.
Oregon’s snowpack, measured in snow water equivalent, ballooned to 141% of normal by Sunday. The only two years with close to as much snow recently were 2017 and 2011.
In response, most ski areas have extended their seasons through April while the two highest — Mount Bachelor and Timberline — will stay open through May. Deep discounts on lift tickets and spring passes can be had, as ski areas attempt to convince Oregonians to stay on the slopes to make the good times last.
“This season has been historic in several ways,” Andrew Gast, general manager for Mt. Ashland Ski Area, said in announcing the resort would stay open two weeks later than its usual closing date. “We’ve had outstanding snowfall this winter and the community has supported the mountain in record numbers."
The excellent snowpack serves as a capstone to Oregon’s third straight La Nina — a weather pattern typically associated with cooler, wetter and snowier conditions in winter and spring in the Northwest.
But there’s a decent chance that could change next year.
Snow might not be so deep next year as El Nino makes possible return
Even though Oregon has seen some of its warmest years on record recently — 2021 and 2022 were the 10th and fifth warmest in Oregon’s recorded history, respectively — winter recreation has generally been pretty good.
Earlier this month, La Nina officially ended and there’s a 60% chance that El Nino, and potentially a strong one, will develop, typically meaning warmer-than-normal winter conditions.
Oregon State University climatologist Larry O’Neill said that a strong El Nino, combined with the baseline warming from climate change, could mean a difficult year for those who love snow. He said next fall and winter could be similar to 2015, Oregon’s hottest year in recorded history and a brutal season for winter recreation. Many ski areas couldn’t open for more than a few days, if at all, especially at mid-elevations.
“Get your turns in now,” O’Neill said. “During El Ninos, global temperatures are typically well above normal to begin and since it’s happening during this global warming condition, the concern is that this El Nino will be warmer than ones we’ve experienced in the past."
Not all ski officials are concerned, however, noting those at the highest elevations were still able to operate.
“I’m not concerned at all,” Mt. Hood Meadows spokesman Dave Tragethon said. “We tend to get earlier snow in El Nino years – and the storms tend to be more intense. But we can average just as much snow in El Nino seasons up on the mountain as other times neutral or La Nina."
Resorts offer spring skiing deals
Given the uncertainty about next year, it’s worth hitting the slopes now. Spring is often a great time to ski anyway, with better weather and shorter lift lines.
But ski areas are also offering deals to sweeten the pot.
Willamette Pass, east of Eugene, is offering a promotion called “the world’s best spring break.” It features lift tickets from $19 to $25 for adults, free skiing for those 12 and under, rentals of $19 per day and free lessons.
Hoodoo Ski Area, east of Salem on Santiam Pass, will return its “pond skimming battle royale and costume contest” on April 8.
Oregon’s two largest ski areas, Bachelor and Timberline, have spring passes on sale for unlimited skiing in April and May, while Meadows also has a spring pass and cheaper than normal lift tickets.
“Our lift ticket, lesson and rental pricing is all dynamic — so purchasing now for spring break will get some really good deals,” Tragethon said. “I still see some $59 lift tickets for this Sunday and for next Tuesday.”
Sno-parks still make a good and cheaper option
Ski areas aren’t the only places to find snow. Oregon’s vast network of sno-parks will remain open and fun as long as the snow stays on the ground. They require a $25 annual permit or a $4 daily permit that you can buy online at bit.ly/2HtDOLS
There are vast networks of cross country ski and snowshoe trails on Willamette Pass, Santiam Pass, Mount Hood and just across the mountain in Central Oregon.
Again, as a rule, the crowds at most of the popular sno-parks often thin out during spring, even as their popularity has skyrocketed the past few years.
Favorite places for sledding include Santiam Sno-Park (east of Salem and Eugene) and Salt Creek Sno-Park (southeast of Eugene). Popular places for snowshoeing include Maxwell Sno-Park (Santiam Pass) and Gold Lake Snow Park (Willamette Pass).
More:For Salem snowy adventure with kids, try these two places on Santiam Pass
Those up for a longer drive should consider Upper Three Creeks Sno-Park outside Sisters, which offers spectacular mountain views for snowshoers and cross country skiers.
A favorite place for snowmobiling is the Diamond Lake area, where you can rent a sled and get access to hundreds of miles of trails, including a pretty beginner-friendly route to Crater Lake.
No matter how you play in the snow, make this spring count, because it might not be this good again for a while.
Zach Urness has been an outdoors reporter in Oregon for 15 years and is host of the Explore Oregon Podcast. Urness is the author of “Best Hikes with Kids: Oregon” and “Hiking Southern Oregon.” He can be reached at zurness@StatesmanJournal.com or 503-399-6801. Find him on Twitter at @ZachsORoutdoors.
This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon snowpack 141% of normal as ski areas extend seasons
