Records fall, but not snow: Warm weeks stall start of Central Oregon’s ski season; feds declare ‘snow drought’

(Update: Comments by Shannon Brady, Mt. Bachelor; 'snow drought' declared)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Record-high temperatures are keeping Mt. Bachelor from opening as planned, leaving the slopes bare well into December and raising questions about what the delay means for Central Oregon’s winter tourism.

In mid-December, Mt. Bachelor is typically buzzing with skiers and snowboarders from across the country. But this year, warm days and little snow in the Cascades have put the season on pause.

“We are seeing temperatures about 20 degrees above where we should be for this time of year,” said KTVZ Meteorologist Shannon Brady. “We’re seeing some records broken across the region, many of which have been held for over 100 years.”

In fact, federal meteorologists on Thursday declared a "snow drought" around much of the West, including Oregon, saying the early-season snow cover across the region is the lowest in 24 years of satellite data, and "nearly every major river basin in the West experienced a November among the top 5 warmest on record."

The warmth this week is tied to a stubborn high-pressure system sitting over the West Coast. But Brady said a change may be on the horizon.

“It is starting to look like we might see some snow by next week, which is good news, as some colder air moves in,” she said. “Pressure is going to drop a little bit, so maybe by mid to late next week we’ll get some measurable snowfall.”

For Mt. Bachelor, the later start isn’t ideal but not unprecedented. Resort officials say a slow opening doesn’t necessarily mean a low snow season.

“The ski industry is such a business that is reliant on the weather. So, it's tough,” said Lauren Burke, Mt. Bachelor’s communications director. “We’ve seen years where we open in mid-December and get 500, 550 inches of snow, which is well above our seasonal average.”

Burke said the delay impacts early-season revenue, but their long spring keeps the ski season stretching into late May.

“We’re really committed to opening as soon as conditions allow and staying open as late as we can,” she said. “As soon as the snow comes, we know our skiers and riders are ready to go.”

Visit Bend echoed that optimism in an email to KTVZ on Thursday. Tim Neville said December is historically Bend’s most affordable month for lodging and the lowest occupancy of the year. Any dip now will likely be made up by pent-up demand, once the mountain opens.

In the meantime, Central Oregonians are still getting outdoors, taking advantage of fewer crowds on hiking and biking trails. And some are simply staying patient.

Bend skier Sam Schroeder. said, “Given the slow start, the middle and latter half of the season will be even better.”

With potential snow in the forecast next week, the ski season may not be far behind.