Mount Bachelor receives 7 inches of snow amid poor season
DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) – Mount Bachelor reported seven inches of new snow this week as cold temperatures allowed accumulation to stick at the mountain. The fresh powder arrives during what has been one of the poorest snow seasons for the region in decades.
The current snow base depth at the resort sits at 28 inches. In January of last year, Mount Bachelor reached a 100-inch base, which was among the deepest in the United States. This year's low totals are tied to a 24% deficit in regional precipitation.
John Carroll, chief meteorologist, explained that a successful winter season depends on the relationship between temperature and precipitation. He noted that when warmer air and low precipitation levels combine, moisture often falls as rain rather than snow.
"The two main variables that define a winter season are temperature and precipitation. They have to both work in concert with each other. In other words, they need to work together to get a good snowfall amount this season," Carroll said.
Carroll also reviewed 40 years of climatological data for the area. His analysis showed a steady downward trend in total snowfall over that period.
"And as we move forward through historical climatological data, well, we are declining at a fairly decent rate from 40 years ago, about 25% decline," Carroll said.
Presley Quon, who works in marketing for Mt Bachelor, said the return of winter conditions is a welcome sight for the resort. She indicated that staff members remain excited for the remainder of the season.
"This is what we love and we're so excited to see snow returning and we're looking forward to having a great season," Quon said.
Quon noted that the resort's operations are inherently tied to shifting weather patterns. Despite the difficult season, mountain crews are working to keep the facility accessible for skiers and riders.
"It's interesting working in an industry that's so weather dependent. You just kind of have to embrace the things are out of your control sometimes," Quon said.
Additional snow is possible throughout the week.
