Heavy snowfall at Mt. Bachelor brings powder conditions
DESCHUTES COUNTY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mt. Bachelor issued a powder alert Monday, Feb. 9, after receiving seven inches of fresh snow overnight. The recent storm has brought 13 inches of total snowfall to the mountain, resulting in a base depth of 40 inches.
All scheduled lifts opened at 9:00 a.m. as patrol reported 16 inches of new snow at mid-mountain since Sunday morning. While early conditions included lingering clouds and moderate winds, sunshine is expected Monday afternoon with temperatures near freezing.
Even with the fresh snow, our snowpack is still running well below normal. KTVZ News dug into what’s behind the shortfall — not just here in Oregon, but across the country and around the globe
Beyond the snow totals, resort operations were impacted by high visitor volume early Monday morning. Officials reported that all Sunrise parking lots and the Skyliner lot reached capacity by 10:00 a.m. Management expected parking spots to become available throughout the day as earlier visitors departed.
Safety remains a primary concern following the heavy accumulation. Mountain staff warned that the risk for tree wells and snow immersion suffocation is currently high. Skiers and riders are advised to stay with a partner, keep them in sight at all times and stick to open, groomed trails to minimize hazards.
Resort staff noted that while the new snow is significant, mountain coverage remains thin in several areas. Visitors are encouraged to stay on named runs and watch for both marked and unmarked obstacles. Current ski area boundaries are defined by Outback Way, Upper Ed's Garden, Leeway, East Bowls and East Catchline. Outback and Northwest areas remain closed until further snowfall allows for safe reopening.
Travelers heading to the mountain should prepare for winter road conditions. Officials recommend the use of all-wheel drive or four-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance. Travelers are also advised to use chains or snow tires and check with the Oregon Department of Transportation for real-time traffic and weather updates.
Conditions permitting, the Outback lift is scheduled to rejoin the mountain lineup Tuesday, Feb. Ten. Tomorrow's forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with a high temperature in the mid-30s.
