USA — After weeks of waiting through low tide conditions, various ski resorts were rewarded with quite the storm. An active pattern brought snow across the west.
Probably the biggest winner of the system was California, as ski resorts saw multiple feet of snow. It even led one SoCal ski area to open for the first time since February 2024. Utah’s ski resorts also did well, with a roughly four-foot storm hitting Alta and Snowbird. But what does this mean for the Western snowpack? Here’s how the map is looking for February 23rd.
Doing Well
California skiers and riders are quite stoked right now, and it’s for good reason. Parts of the state are average or above average, which includes Mammoth. That means they’re shaping up for a deep spring.
The Tetons are also doing well. They’re at 92%, which means Jackson Hole and Targhee are having solid conditions. Parts of Montana and Northern Wyoming are also seeing around-average snowpack.
Below Average
While Colorado and Utah saw lots of snow last week, it didn’t do much to bridge the gap between the rest of the winter so far. While California skiers and riders got a big storm, they’re also below average.
Other notable below-average seasons include Idaho, most of Montana, and the Southwestern regions that are home to most ski areas in that area.
Bleak
Oregon saw multiple ski resorts reopen last week thanks to recent snowfall. However, the snowpack remains well below average. Luckily, there will be more snow this week. Washington is also in rough shape, with most mountains dealing with well below-average snowpack. Southern Arizona and New Mexico are also struggling mightily.
Image Credits: Manav Parekh, US Department of Agriculture
