Snowpack
Latest Stories
Oregon snowpack levels in good shape now, but spring variables still in play
The approach of April marks a key time of the year. It’s when mountain snow usually peaks across Oregon — offering a hint at the severity of the coming wildfire season and about conditions for farmers who rely on irrigation.
Early January storms bring much-needed snow to the Pacific Northwest, but is it enough?
Snow and ice have hit the lowlands across the Northwest lately, but how are we doing up high? What’s the snowpack looking like across Washington and Oregon?
Storms could relieve Oregon’s flagging snowpacks — for now
The U.S. Department of Agriculture painted a dire picture of snow packs in its Jan. 1 water outlook report. That report showed that most Oregon snowpacks were well below normal levels.
Oregon ski areas are still waiting for snow
As most of Oregon’s school districts close for the winter break this week, many families usually head to the slopes, but the lack of snow is keeping people away.
NASA satellites could be a new tool to help estimate snowpack, manage water resources
Scientists in Washington recently used NASA satellites to learn more about snow in the mountains.
Cleaner snowpack could help slow climate change and provide more drinking water, scientist says
Researchers in the Northwest are studying dirty snow – and how cleaner snow could someday help with water resources around the world.
California’s epic snowpack is melting. Here’s what to expect
Warmer temperatures are melting the state's historic snowpack. Already flooded communities downstream are scrambling to prepare for the surge.
Southern Oregon still faces drought conditions despite recent storms
Despite a parade of winter storms in Southern Oregon in recent weeks, hydrologists say it’s not enough to undo the effects of multiple years of drought.
Colder weather could help parts of Oregon snowpack hit by recent warm temps
Colder temperatures moving into Oregon in the coming days could help with building, maintaining snowpack. “Below 4,000 feet, some of that snow has melted off and so we don’t have quite as much snow as we typically do this time of the year,” says a National Weather Service meteorologist.
Snowstorm won’t do much to lift Oregon out of drought, but it’s a start
The punishing drought that took years to form across the state will likely require an equally long recovery.