Thunder Ridge Ski Area is working to recover after a sudden flash flood caused extensive damage to its base area and parking lot, though the New York resort says it remains on track to open for the upcoming ski season.
Flash Flood Causes Significant Damage
According to a report from News 12 Long Island, an intense downpour on Monday morning triggered severe flooding at Thunder Ridge Ski Area in Patterson, New York. Resort owner Dean Ryder told the outlet that heavy rainfall caused a retention pond to overflow its dam, sending a powerful stream of water down the mountain and across the base area.
The parking lot was heavily washed out, the ski school building lost much of its foundation and the lift ticket office was covered in mud. Equipment, signs and other debris were also carried across a nearby roadway by the fast moving water.
Thunder Ridge shared similar details in a social media post, saying that intense mountain rainfall unleashed a flash flood that tore through the resort’s base area and left mud and debris scattered across the lower slopes. The resort said everyone was safe despite the extensive damage.
Resort Estimates Around $100,000 In Damage
Ryder told News 12 Long Island that the resort expects roughly $100,000 in damage, with the complete replacement of the parking lot expected to account for much of the cost. The longtime owner said his family has operated Thunder Ridge for 34 years and has only experienced a similar flooding event once before. Even then, he said, it was nowhere near the severity of this week’s storm.
The resort is also working with its insurance provider to address damage from both the recent flood and a windstorm that struck on July 4th.
Contractors Already Working Toward Winter Opening
Despite the destruction, Thunder Ridge says the recovery efforts are already underway. Contractors have arrived on site to begin repairs and the resort expects to maintain its usual schedule with an opening planned for mid December.
Resort employee Theresa Delcogliano told News 12 Long Island that weather related setbacks are part of operating a mountain business and that the staff is committed to cleaning up and moving forward.
Flash flooding has become an increasing concern for mountain communities during periods of intense rainfall. While Thunder Ridge now faces months of rebuilding, resort officials remain focused on restoring damaged facilities and welcoming skiers back when winter returns. News of the damage was first reported by News 12 Long Island.