Timberline Resort, OR, Conditions Report: Hot Pow

Jacob Heath enjoying the surf features and slush in the park off Stormin’ Norman. (PC: Nicky Blumm)

Report from May 23. 2024

When a late May storm brings fresh snow, there’s no choice but to go play. On Wednesday, Mount Hood, Oregon, received a substantial storm, refreshing its snow conditions to a nearly wintery state. With 6 inches of fresh snow and a sunny day in store, it was a good day to arrive at the mountain early.

The first hour or two of turns were lovely. The fresh snow was a bit heavy, but there were excellent turns, especially on Stormin’ Norman and the Miracle Mile. The groomed surfaces were soft and creamy. Then, as the sun baked the slopes, the altitude with tolerable riding began to rise and the snow became how pow. By noon, it was hard to find non-sticky turns below 6,500 feet. By the time the Mile closed, it was sticky hot pow or soupy slush the whole way down.

Timberline’s conditions report indicated that the resort was “above the clouds.” (PC: Nicky Blumm)

Timberline is an easy place to get a sense of the weather, thanks to NOAA’s weather stations on site. With stations at the altitude of the Timberline Lodge (6,000 feet) and at the top of the Miracle Mile Chairlift (6,990 feet), it’s easy to get a sense of what’s happening on Mount Hood’s southern slopes. This is useful both for resort riders and backcountry skiers.

There is a special joy to spring skiing. Folks were in t-shirts, sunglasses were abundant, and the vibes were immaculate, even as the snow turned from mashed potatoes to water. Perhaps knowing that the goods are evaporating makes them even sweeter. Notably, riders will continue to frequent Timberline for months to come, at least until the Palmer Snowfield melts to nothing again.