By Rod Hill on 2011-01-28
Likely not a surprise the snowpack on Mt. Hood has fallen to 78% of normal for this time of the season. Today's measurement taken at 5,400 feet, shows a snow depth of 71", which would melt into 28.4" of water. The goal is to have enough snow by April 30th to melt into 65" of water. Today's survey shows we are less than 50% of what would make an average season snowpack for the complete season.
Snow depth on the mountain was 92" on December 30th. Since that time, we have lost 21" of snow, due to the warm temperatures and high snow levels. It is interesting to note that the current snowpack has held some of the rain. Today's survey shows an increase in water content of nearly 2.00" since the Dec. 30th measurement. Also of note is a complete lack of snow near and below 3,000 feet. Saddle Mountain, at elevation of 3,110' in the Coast Range has no snow on the ground.
Ski resort base depths can be misleading because of the constant grooming and in some cases movement of snow. With that said, most resorts reached their highest snow depth Dec. 30th and have steadily lost snow since. Here are the reports:
Timberline: Dec. 30 depth 112" / Jan. 27 depth 93"
Meadows: Dec. 30 depth 94" / Jan. 27 depth 69"
Skibowl: Dec. 30 depth 58" / Jan. 27 depth 38"
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Current forecast charts show less than a foot of new snow through the 10th day of February. Much of next week will return to high snow levels, meaning more snow melt. Colder air is expected by mid February.
Long Dry Stretch Expected