Darn... it's too bad there's not more of a snow base at the ski areas yet... because the new snow that falls between now and Sunday will be of FANTASTIC quality. It's ironic... because, this time of year, when the ski areas really need to build their initial snow base, they want wet & heavy snow -- not the light & fluffy stuff that's in the forecast. That's because the wet & heavy snow naturally compacts and tends to be stickier. It covers the rocks and brush better, it doesn't blow around as much, and it doesn't get scraped away as easily by skiers & boarders. That said... I'm sure the ski areas will take whatever they can get -- as long as it's white!
Recent new snow (and expected new snow in the next couple days) has made an extremely thin snow cover become not quite so thin. But it'll still be a thin cover through the weekend. Despite that, the snow quality will be excellent, as the snow level will stay at or below 2,000 ft. Get your turns in between now and Sunday... because changes are ahead.
Starting Sunday, it looks like we're going to enter the dreaded "Pineapple Express" pattern. For those unfamiliar with that term, it's a weather pattern characterized by warm, wet and windy conditions as southwesterly flow aloft directs lots of moisture into the Northwest. The source of that moisture is down near Hawaii, hence the name. Pineapple Express patterns bring rain to the ski areas -- and rain is likely up there from later Sunday through early next week. Hopefully... there will be enough of a snow base at the ski areas such that the snowpack will survive the warm & wet pattern. I think it will. And if it does... it will actually HELP the snow base, as the snowpack will get compacted and will serve as an excellent base to build from as we head through December.
Enjoy the conditions over the next few days... I'm going to try and get up there myself this weekend -- if it's not snowing in Portland. (Then I'll be stuck at work!)
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4 comments:
For what its worth, I hope you are stuck at work! 34.5 here with just a touch of snow.
Hi Drew.
I don't know if you can predict this to the hour, but do have any idea as to what time it'll get above freezing at the resorts on Mt. Hood and we'll be skiing in the rain? I'm impressed with how accurate you guys are at predicting the time of rain in Portland, but are you able to do the same with temperature up on the hill?
Hope you can make it up there this weekend. I'll be there for sure!
-Dylan
Hey well you should know better than anyone if you are working this weekend!
Dylan:
It now appears that it'll stay snowy up on the mountain all the way through Sunday. The snow will probably switch to rain Sunday night into early Monday. And regarding forecast accuracy on the mountain, it's actually easier to forecast temperatures up there than it is in Portland. The reason? No crazy Columbia Gorge effect or temperature inversions to deal with on the mountain.
And to John:
I'm now scheduled to work Saturday. That should give you an idea as to what kind of weather is in store for Portland that day...
-DJ
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