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How was the winter/snowfall in the Pacific NW?

Original Post
Kai Larson · · Sandy, UT · Joined Jan 2006 · Points: 441

Planning a trip to Washington State this summer to do some mountaineering.

What was the winter like?  How was snowfall compared to the average?  

JCM · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 115

Alec Entress · · Portland, OR · Joined Oct 2016 · Points: 0

It's still winter. 

Zach Baer · · Bellingham · Joined Feb 2018 · Points: 5
JCM wrote:

The USDA has data on snowfall and current depths???? Blowing my mind here. Makes total sense, but I've always wondered how to gauge when rock climbs are in season without actually scoping them.

Also, I'm no scientist, but I'm pretty sure it's spring?

Chase G · · Salt Lake City, UT · Joined Jun 2017 · Points: 169

It was snowing while driving on highway 2 this weekend, it’s still winter haha 

JCM · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2008 · Points: 115
Zach Baer wrote:

The USDA has data on snowfall and current depths???? Blowing my mind here. Makes total sense, but I've always wondered how to gauge when rock climbs are in season without actually scoping them.

The data is from NRCS (link to NRCS SNOTEL Mapper). Though for sites in the PNW a better presentation of that same snow data is available from the Northwest River Forecast Center.

Also, the NOHRSC interactive snow map is awesome. It's my favorite method to check on snow for climbing trips. It shows SWE, snow depth, etc. Can zoom into the site of interest. I use this regularly to plan trips during the winter/spring.  Note that is is a modelled product that is tuned to observations, rather than true gridded observation. The accuracy is generally pretty darn good, but it has its limitations is rugged terrain.

Last: for realtime weather conditions (is it sunny in Leavenworth right now?), use the UW weather radar site and the webcam network available on Windy.  

Princess Puppy Lovr · · Rent-n, WA · Joined Jun 2018 · Points: 1,756
Zach Baer wrote:

The USDA has data on snowfall and current depths???? Blowing my mind here. Makes total sense, but I've always wondered how to gauge when rock climbs are in season without actually scoping them.

Also, I'm no scientist, but I'm pretty sure it's spring?

Look at the route on mountain project and when people tick them is the best tool. You can be more precise and cross reference when a climb is ticked relative to historic rainfall.

drew A · · Portland, OR · Joined Oct 2018 · Points: 6
Zach Baer wrote:

Also, I'm no scientist, but I'm pretty sure it's spring?

It's spring but it's been a wintery spring. Fine by me of course. Still skiing plenty of fresh snow out here. Look at the SNOTEL interactive map. They're all like 200% of median. Now that doesn't mean it snowed twice as much vs. median. It just means we got late season snowfall and the cooler than typical weather is delaying the melt. I'd say snowline is currently 1000-2000' lower than it was this time last year. But the amount of snowfall isn't that different. If you're thinking about a July trip, this will make no difference to you by then. If you're thinking of doing something in the next 2-4 weeks, well you better check the snow more carefully. 

sean o · · Northern, NM · Joined Oct 2012 · Points: 48

Wintry spring indeed... snowline is 5000-5500 near Bend, with substantial snowpack above that.  Sisters and Bachelor from the SW on the summit of Maiden (7800'):

J C · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2015 · Points: 477

What is Hood like this year? Compared to last year with all the FA's being posted up at CC, it's a bit quiet. I presume things will be melted out pretty good by June? 

diepj · · PDX · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 0

Last year it was so dry that everyday was a climbing day if you wanted. This year with all the precip there haven’t been as many windows. We need it to warm up quite a bit before it melts out. I would expect that unless it gets real hot the season will run later this year than the recent average. 

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Pacific Northwest
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