Snow–for skiing and snowboarding, the more the better, right? Most riders would agree, and further proof is the popularized phrase, “No friends on a powder day.” While some areas of the Western United States are experiencing below-average snowfall, the Northeast is thriving with the opposite. But what is the overall trend?
According to Chris Vickers, WTOL Chief Meteorologist, the United States is seeing its highest snow coverage since 2003. Currently, over 43.9% of the country is under snow (as shown in the photo above). Even beyond the overall coverage, some regions are experiencing amazing early-season snowfall, well above their season-long averages.
On the East Coast, for instance, Jay Peak Resort in Vermont has shattered previous snowfall records this season. With an impressive 127 inches of snow, less than a month into their season, Jay Peak has already accumulated over one-third of its average seasonal total. Many other East Coast mountains are also enjoying this great early-season coverage.
While there is no question that this season is off to a strange, yet snowy, start, not all snow coverages are created equal. While the East Coast enjoys a rather deep snow pack, the Western United States is well below its season averages in many spots. The culprit for this disparity is partially this winter’s La Niña weather pattern. States like California (especially Tahoe area mountains), Colorado, Idaho, parts of Montana, Utah, and Wyoming are experiencing underwhelming snow coverage, which has pushed back opening dates later than usual.
Even resorts in areas that don’t typically receive an abundance of snow are capitalizing on the colder weather. The polar vortex, courtesy of La Niña, has delivered colder weather to most of the country. For example, Perfect North Slopes in Indiana, which averages only 10 inches annually, has been able to open for the season today thanks to its snowmaking systems and the sustained low temperatures. Perfect North and many other small Midwest ski areas are grateful for these early-season weather patterns.
Western U.S. residents do not have to despair, however, because major systems bringing more snow are on the way. Colorado skiers and boarders might just get an early Christmas gift in the form of 20-30 inches of snow this weekend. In the Pacific Northwest, 3-4 feet of dense snow is in the forecast for this weekend. Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and the Northern Rockies are also forecasted to receive 3+ feet of snow this weekend. Utah, long known for some of the steadiest and deepest snowfall, is also poised to get 20+ inches of snow this weekend.
Whether or not your home mountain has been on the receiving end of great snow depth, we are very early in the season, and prospects for continued snowfall look good. So, break out the wax, pack up the gear, and get ready for a long and deep winter on the slopes.
