Good News

Skiers and Riders, FINALLY some good news. We've got snow, low snow levels and powder on the way. December's been dry as you know, but we'll end the month with heavy snow in the Cascades and other ranges of Oregon.

Yes, I know it's been rainy and windy in the mountains. And warm. But that changes Thursday night and Friday morning. There's a 185 mph jet stream aimed at Oregon with abundant moisture. To the tune of 3 to 5 inches of rain, unfortunately, before the snow level drops. But drop it does, down to about 2,000 feet in northern Oregon and 3,500 feet in southern Oregon on Friday. Mt Hood should pick up a solid foot of new snow by mid-day Friday, with even heavier amounts in central Oregon. The southern Oregon mountains should also see about a foot of fresh snow with 4-8" in the eastern Oregon mountains.

Snow will taper off Friday night, but the snow level gets even lower, all the way down to 1,000 feet by Saturday in the northern Oregon Cascades.
Powder Picks: Friday, especially in the morning. Saturday, because there will still be new snow to play on, colder temperatures, less wind and some sun.

Looking ahead: I'd definitely try to take advantage of the new snow Friday and Saturday, and even Sunday. Beyond that, relatively warmer and dry weather again sets in for the beginning of the new year. But I don't think it'll last long. Long range guidance is showing indications of cooler and wetter weather coming our way with greater frequency on and after the first full weekend of January.
So don't despair December's dry disposition this year. Winter has just begun. The powder days are just beginning. Happy Trails and Turns,

Matt Zaffino
KGW Chief Meteorologist

(Matt Zaffino has been forecasting powder days in Oregon for over 25 years. An avid back-country telemark skier, he’s hit the slopes of Oregon from his previous home near Mt Ashland to secret powder stashes in the Wallowa’s, while logging as many runs as possible at all of the resorts in the Oregon Cascades.)
Dec 18,2011
Pretty much the same-o.... 9-14" of snow that's turned to ice and in many places...ice "ruts" from earlier ridin' on the warm, soft snow. There's still many spots that have the 1/2" or so of "fluff" we got the other night but hardly enough to fill the ruts or to cover the dirts spots. I certainly have not found a forecast that says we have moisture enroute either. We've been doin' some great catchup work on the trails. Takin' down many old markers 'n posts and puttin' up newer better markers; posts; etc. ...... Much better than before where we've been able to go. The "we" includes our new Forest Service Recreation Tech. from the Crescent Ranger

District. Name: Sam Cook.... Great to have him. I'm learnin' "lots" 'bout how we should mark and take care of trails.
A "worthy-mention" item: We have logging operations goin' on on the East side of Davis Lake. Means the Cascade Lakes hi-way from up there down to the cutoff road will be kept open/plowed (if/when there's snow) until the end of this month and maybe (if requested and approved) an extension will be granted to no later than Jan. 15th. We've posted the lower Royce trail (between #212 & #211-South)... if you want to go East from just East of Diamond Peaks on lower Royce... you need go back to the main North/South trail (the #212 Jct.) and then head North & East to the #211-North ....then you can cross over the Cascade Lakes hiway (very carefully/safely...watch for trucks) and head East to the #206; etc. ..... I'll keep ya posted on this and soon's it's a "done-deal" we'll get up 'n over there to "groom-er-over"..... Sorry...not much more to report....likely no further updates 'till there snow on the way or somethin' comes up. Anyone gets out there...let us know so we can "share"....
Later... Ben S.

Dec. 12, 2011
I rode from the Jct. Snow Park to Summit Lake Rd. via the 60 Rd. around the North/Northwest side of Crescent Lake; included into/outta the 60 Rd. Snow Park. Also had a "chat" with some "snow campers" headed on skis to Red Cone Mtn. .... they had been out for a few days in the area before their trip of this date. (generally) The snow on the trail is actually pretty good but I would recommend the use of the 60 Rd. (by the lake) snow park. Pretty hard ice and well packed. Surprisingly the 3/4 to 1" of powder we got about a week ago is still apparent. As it warmed, in the wide open sun places, there's small stretches of asphalt showing that have passable edges. One that's a bit of an issue in (not surprisingly) near Tandy Bay. Runs about 35-40 yds. with the potential for a melt of about another 20 yds. or so. Might take some rust off of the "skags" but not too serious in terms of loss of snow for cooling and/or heat to hy-faxes. I rode it and would do it again come Saturday/Sunday. Beyond...pretty good ridin' and especially as you get a bit higher up. Certainly a "stay-on-the-trail" show.

Lake Residents: 'Tis a good run in/outta your places. Not likely to be a problem for the weekend. I don't recommend goin' North outta the Jct. Snow Park. Lots of dirt 'n water puddles between the park and the turn into services (by Manley's). If you go outta Diamond Peaks...looks pretty good but reports are there's dirt in many spots as you head North to Jct. #208. Cascade Lakes Hi-way..."dry" 'n "open". Might be one of those things where you could off-load further North and ride West to higher elevations.

Later.... Ben Sunderland, Chairman
OSSA/Walker Rim Riders Trails Maint./Grooming pgrm.