Outdoor report: let it snow, let it snow (please!)

By ROB DEHARPPORT/for The Herald  —  As I write this report Christmas day is 5 days away. The first day of winter is tomorrow, December 21st. Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year. Unfortunately, this year that’s not as significant as our shortage of snow in the Cascades.

A quick look outside my window tells the story. My house is at nearly 4900′ elevation. The recent rains have nearly wiped out what little snow we’ve had so far. We may have had nearly a foot of snow a couple of weeks ago. However, today the Snotel Snow Guage at Crescent Lake (4800′) reports 3″. Summit Lake Snotel at 5620′ reports 16″. Cascade Summit near Willamette Pass reports 13″ at 5100′ elevation.

An El Nino weather pattern has been predicted and is seemingly impacting our weather as predicted. This is certainly not good news on many fronts. Including, winter recreation, water storage in reservoirs and wells, and of course, agriculture.

I wrote earlier about the “shoulder seasons.” Fall often signals a time period in the tourism/recreation industry as a last chance to get outside before the cold and snows come along.

We are stuck in a holding pattern at this time: a prolonged shoulder season of sorts.

Of course, we know the weather can change at any time and bring smiles to snow skiers, snowmobilers, ski resorts and other Cascade Mountain resorts. The jury remains out on this, though. Will we or won’t we see significant snowfall?

There is a chance for some snow over the next week or 10 days. Various weather models seem to agree with this prediction. However, the amounts at this time are unpredictable. Snow dances are encouraged!

In the following years we have seen a variety of snow depths. Most years since 2014 have been normal or near normal snowpack seasons. Although, what is normal? We sure don’t see the snow depths of the “good ol’ days” – or do we? I’ll leave that to be determined by the record keepers, climatologists, meteorologists and other “experts.” In the meantime, I’ll simply have to enjoy not shoveling snow and using snowblowers for now.  All while hoping for a White Christmas and enjoy life on the mountain regardless of what the weather brings. I may even dance a snow jig or take a walk, sans the snowshoes. Have a safe and Merry Christmas!