By Rod Hill on 2010-10-25
Today, Oct. 24, marks the first heavy snow on Mt. Hood this season. Ski resorts at 5,000 feet received 12" of snow. The last La Nina season of 2007 had an earlier snowfall of 24" at Timberline and 26" at Meadows on Oct. 21st! That fall went on to see 78" through Thanksgiving weekend, but periods of warm temperatures kept base amounts near two feet into the first week of December. The La Nina season went on to record 791" at Timberline Lodge through the end of April! Compare the total to last season's of 505 inches. More evidence that this year's stronger La Nina could bring big snows to the mountain! Could we be looking at 800" or more on the mountain?
It is worth mentioning that the La Nina of 2007-2008 also recorded the record coast windstorm that had speeds and damage similar to a category three hurricane. Also the Vernonia flood happened in December 2007.
Forecast charts continue to show active weather the next two weeks.
Mountain Snow & Valley Thunderstorms