Big Snows Hit Parts of the West Coast

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05 December 2014

Push to The Latest: No

SAM Magazine—Truckee, Calif., Dec. 5, 2014—The continued front of winter storms passing through California's Lake Tahoe region has brought more than three feet of snow to higher elevations some ski areas, enabling resorts in the Sierra expand their open terrain or in some cases open for the season. Up to a foot of additional snow could fall on higher elevations through Saturday. In the Northwest, though, conditions still remain challenging for many areas.

Squaw Valley reported four new inches today, and more than three feet at higher elevations since last Friday. The dump allowed Squaw to open two additional chairlifts today with more terrain opening tomorrow.

Melissa Matheney, spokesperson for Squaw, said the snow there has fallen mostly above 7,500 feet (Squaw's highest elevations are just below 9,000 feet) and is more like spring snow. Snow levels have fluctuated throughout the past week, with mixed precipitation below 7,500 feet.

“We're seeing some great snowfall on the upper mountain, which means we will have a fantastic base as we head into the holidays,” Matheney says. “The temperatures that have come with this storm system actually provide ideal conditions for a great snow base. The snow is heavy, allowing it to stick to the slopes.”

Mt. Rose, Nev., also received more than three feet of new snow in the last week, allowing it to open its Slide Bowl today, amid what officials there describe as “some of the best early season conditions we have had in years.” Snow levels at Mt. Rose have been around 7,500 feet, and with the area's base at 8,260 feet, “We saw all snow throughout this storm,” said Mike Pierce, marketing manager, top to bottom—unlike some other resorts.

“This was a great base-building storm, heavy snow to cover all obstacles,” Pierce added. Season pass activity had started off somewhat below average, but Pierce anticipates the recent snow will boost December pass sales.

At Kirkwood, Kevin Cooper, brand manager, said snow levels there have settled out at 8,500 feet, but added that there has been intermittent snow at the base area as well, at 7,800 feet. “A few more little hits and Kirkwood will be in great shape,” said Cooper.

Northstar received six inches of new snow midweek, and up to 31 inches in the past six days. As a result, the area opened 12 additional trails Thursday. Rachael Woods, senior manager of communications for Northstar, says snow elevations throughout the event have ranged from 4,000 to 7,000 feet, with fairly mild temperatures and winds. Northstar's lifts have remained open throughout the storm.

“We're thrilled with the new snow and by how many additional trails it's allowed Northstar to open for our guests,” said Beth Howard, vice president and general manager of Northstar. “Conditions are great and with additional snow forecast, skiers and riders can look forward to a fantastic experience as we approach the holidays.”

In Oregon, Mt. Bachelor reported 41 inches in the past seven days, but recent warmer temperatures there saw some precipitation falling in the form of rain. “We have no new snow to report this morning but the trails have withstood the recent weather surprisingly well,” said a spokesman. “Last night we were able to get more trails groomed than we have so far this season, and we're looking forward to the possibility of some snow tonight...fingers crossed!”

At Mt. Hood Meadows, lift operations are on hold because of a lack of snow. Dave Tragethon, executive director of sales, said snow was falling at 7,000 feet, above the area's base is at 5,500 feet, where precipitation has been less fluffy.

“We were able to open for a few preview weekends, operating on anywhere from an 11 to 19 inch base at the height of it, but just before Thanksgiving we got about seven inches of rain,” says Tragethon. The resort managed to open for Thanksgiving weekend by supplementing its on-hill snow with snow from its parking lots. Crews hauled more than 900 tons of snow with a rented Morooka, basically a dump truck on rubber tracks, and a snowcat that vehicle mechanics retrofitted with a hydraulic dump trailer.

More than 20 ski areas in Oregon and Washington are planning to open by December 19.