: Matthias Giraud by Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort

Powder Alert

Consistent snowfall and cold temps.
Matt Zaffino, Guest Author
March 2, 2024

The Snow Faucet Is 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 2, 2024: 

Cooler temps return along with a consistent snowfall.

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This might be the easiest Powder Alert I’ve ever written. Because everyone gets powder. All over the state, all weekend and into next week. Let’s start with that.

My Powder Picks are:

  • This weekend
  • Monday (March, 4)
  • Thursday (March 7)

This is a fantastic pattern because the snow level is so low: between 500 and 1,000 feet. That means the snow is cold, dry and powdery. Winds won’t be too bad either, most of the time.

The heaviest snow from this pattern has already fallen, with over two feet across the Cascades since Wednesday night.

But there will be new snow every day, from a couple of inches to a foot. See Powder Pick days above.

It will be cold in the mountains, with ski area temperatures in the single digits and teens. Roads will be snow covered down to low elevations so be sure to be ready for snowy travel for longer than usual stretches of road.

The snow level stays below 1,000 feet through Thursday. That means great, cold snow will be on the slopes all week.

Map showing snowfall forecast

Looking ahead, I think Oregon’s mountains stay in a cold and snowy pattern until St. Patrick’s Day (March 17, 2024).

Enjoy, have a great time and drive safely!

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:

  1. Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
  2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
  3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible from above.
  4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
  5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
  6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
  7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

 

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