The Snow Faucet Is Back On
Note: This page will be updated frequently throughout the ski season to alert you of approaching storm systems and powder.
Please be sure to also check the Conditions Report for info on ski area operations (including closures due to storms and weather, as well as notices on current avalanche forecasts).
UPDATED March 11, 2025:
A full week of powder days – are your legs ready for it?!
I’ve always loved skiing in March. And the weather for the week ahead is a big reason why! We’ve got several storms on the way that will be delivering powdery goodness to all of Oregon’s ski areas!
It starts dumping on Wednesday, and while there will be some lulls, it never completely lets up until Tuesday. That’s basically a week of snowfall, during which parts of the Cascades may see as much as 50 inches of new snow!
The first storm comes in Wednesday, March 12, as a strong cold front that pushes through the state. The snow level will be around 3,500 feet on Mt. Hood to about 4,000 feet in Southern Oregon, so all areas will see good quality snow. Wednesday will be a free refills day with heavy snow during the day. We’re looking at 5 to 9 inches Wednesday and another 4 to 8 inches Wednesday night. So…
POWDER PICK: THURSDAY (March 13)!
This should be an epic day of skiing and riding with over a foot of new snow in the Cascades and Mt. Ashland, and 4 to 8 inches in Northeastern Oregon. And it’s getting colder, which means the snow will be even lighter and fluffier. There will be wind Thursday, so beware the drifting and make sure you have good visibility. But with 12 to 18 inches new snow by Thursday morning, this should be a great day!
But it doesn’t stop there. A new storm rolls in on Friday. The colder air is already in place, so snow levels will stay between 1,500 and 2,500 feet through the weekend across all ski areas. Friday will be another free refill day as it dumps most of the day to the tune of another 8-to-14 inches by the time the lifts open Saturday.
POWDER PICK: SATURDAY (March 15)!
Another epic day of skiing and snowbaording across Oregon!
And guess what? Rinse and repeat for Sunday as yet another system barrels inland. Sunday will be a stormy day with heavy snow and potentially strong winds. Can you handle more refills? With heavy snow Sunday and Sunday night, there should be at least a foot of fresh by the time the lifts open Monday.
POWDER PICK: MONDAY (March 17)!
Sensing a pattern here? Every other day through Monday is a powder pick. But honestly, the “other” days will also be great.
This has all the makings of one of the best, if not the best week of snowfall of the season. Clear your schedule for a day or two if you can. Make sure you and your car are still geared up for winter driving, because the roads will be snowy at low elevations as you ply your way up to fields of powdery goodness.
As always, beware of obstacles and tree wells, and be kind to fellow riders and skiers.
Enjoy!
Matt Zaffino
KGW Chief Meteorologist
Facebook: Facebook.com/MattZaffinoPortland
Twitter: @Zaffino
Instagram: MattZaffino
Ski and Snowboard Safety
Those skiing in steep and ungroomed terrain should be familiar with Deep Snow Safety and become informed on traveling and recreating in avalanche terrain. Find more tips on skiing and snowboarding safety here. Avalanche forecasts are available through the Northwest Avalanche Center (Mt. Hood), Central Oregon Avalanche Center, and Wallowa Avalanche Center in Eastern Oregon.
Skiers and snowboarders should always follow the Skier’s Responsibility Code, which exists to raise awareness that there are elements of risk in snow sports that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce:
- Always stay in control. You must be able to stop or avoid people or objects.
- People ahead or downhill of you have the right-of-way. You must avoid them.
- Stop only where you are visible from above and do not restrict traffic.
- Look uphill and avoid others before starting downhill or entering a trail.
- You must prevent runaway equipment.
- Read and obey all signs, warnings, and hazard markings.
- Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
- You must know how and be able to load, ride and unload lifts safely. If you need assistance, ask the lift attendant.
- Do not use lifts or terrain when impaired by alcohol or drugs.
- If you are involved in a collision or incident, share your contact information with each other and a ski area employee.
