The ski/snowboard season has almost begun! As of Dec. 5, however, the current snowpack is at 0”. Yikes. Compared to our generous season last year, it’s not looking good. To compare, in December last year at Mount Hood Meadows, there was a max base depth of 107”, which is around 9 feet of snow!

This year, the projected snowfall is a mere 10”.

Forecasters predicted that there SHOULD be snow throughout the weeks before Winter Break, resulting in the expected 10” of snow, but there is reason to doubt this. Because of the pressure being at 850MB, the trend shows that it will be too warm for snow to form, which is ironic, as when the precipitation fades the temperature will drop. There are too many misconceptions to tell, as the forecast yesterday said there would be heavy rain, even at higher elevations. Due to the atmospheric river that hit earlier this month, there will most likely be no snow until the end of Winter Break. This is because the rain came in from the tropics, meaning that it was humid and warm. So unfortunately, at this point, all we can do is hope for a sudden drop in temperature.

Some people would point to using snow guns to create a base layer, as most ski resorts do, but at most resorts in the Pacific Northwest, this is not possible. This misconception is mainly because people don’t understand what snowmaking really is. To put it simply, snowmaking is using a pressurized device to shoot cold water into cold air. This mist, when combined with the correct weather and temperature, creates snow. Looking at Mount Hood Meadows specifically, this is not always possible. Because of the warmer temperatures, the water could never turn into snow, and because of the humidity, even if it was cold, the water couldn’t become snow. Snowguns are also typically used to maintain trails and pathways, not necessarily as a primary method for developing snow.

In spite of this drought, there is still a lot of joy happening in the skiing community. Families and friends perform “snow dances” in hopes of snowfall. They also do other activities, such as create snowflakes out of paper, create snowmen out of literally anything (grass, dirt, ect.), visit local ski resorts and watch winter movies at home.

While the season is taking its time, it’s good to remember how much fun you are going to have instead of all the fun you could be having. Keep manifesting!