Weak snowpack causes problems for Northwest resorts
While much of Moscow rejoices in the unseasonably warm weather, some are preparing for the repercussions of this mild winter.
It’s easy to revel in the heat and dance around in shorts when February brings temperatures reminiscent of some Junes, but unfortunately this milder winter comes with a price.
Cy Whitling
Ski resorts throughout the Northwest were hit with one of the worst winters they’ve ever had. Some have even had to close during what would usually be some of their peak months. This doesn’t just hurt a bunch of skiers and snowboarders who are bummed about conditions. These areas help drive local economies and employ many seasonal workers.
Unfortunately, there is not much anyone can do to control this. It’s hard to point fingers and lay blame for a lack of snow. This makes things all the more difficult, since the problem can’t simply be fixed by firing the people responsible or implementing new marketing strategies.
This winter hasn’t been wimpy in terms of precipitation, the fundamental problem has been the temperatures are too warm for snow. This means whatever snow these resorts may have received early in the season is weakened with every successive rain storm.
Resorts have responded with increased snowmaking, but even this is not enough in the face of the warm temperatures the Northwest has seen recently. This combination of little snow and too much rain has left resorts operating with limited terrain, leading to a drop in skier visits.
With each successive week, the weathermen pray for a cold front and some precipitation. Instead of the pipe-freezing, hair-raising cold the months of January and February usually bring, we have been met with gentle breezes and sunny days that make spring seem to be right around the corner.
Don’t get me wrong. I love gentle breezes and sunny days just as much as the next person, but in my mind one of the things that makes Moscow great is its aggressive but well-defined seasons. This is becoming the winter that never really came, or the year I didn’t need snow tires.
Luckily, we still have a few months left before all hope is gone. This season still has potential to turn itself around, and if past years are any indicator, it would not be too surprising to see a snow-heavy March. Unfortunately, this could still be too late for some resorts who have been forced to limit operations or even close during what would usually be some of the best months of the year.
So go ahead and rejoice, no one minds wearing shorts in February. Just remember this kind of winter can have hidden effects. A year like this, with its early spring and general lack of winter, has repercussions not only on everyday apparel, but also on businesses, jobs and the general economics of the region.
Cy Whitling can be reached at [email protected]