On the heels of a near record breaking mild La Niña winter season, early forecasts had the upcoming season shifting back towards a neutral or perhaps even an El Niño. However, the most recent NOAA forecast for the 2017/18 ski season is shifting back to La Niña. The new weather models show an increased chance of La Niña conditions this winter in the Pacific Northwest. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center says there is "an increasing chance (55-60%) of La Niña during the Northern Hemisphere fall and winter 2017-18."
That bodes well for winter recreation, as La Niña generally increases the chances of below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation = more snow.
While it would be hard to beat last year’s 557 inches of snow fall measured at Meadows from the storm that opened us in November, through our last day in May, the La Niña forecast makes it more likely for another epic season.
We may get a taste of the season to come early next week, as a much needed change in the weather is forecast. We could see the snow level drop below the 6,000 foot level Monday night. That will build the excitement for our 50th Anniversary Season, that begins with our Pray for Snow preview day and Party November 18.