MOUNT HOOD, Ore. — A snow survey conducted below Timberline Lodge found the mountain’s snow water equivalent, or SWE, at just 43% of normal for this time of year. SWE measures how much water is contained within the snowpack and is a key indicator for forecasting water availability in the months ahead.
Researchers with the Natural Resources Conservation Service reached the remote SNOTEL test site after a quarter-mile hike on snowshoes through the ski area. While snow appeared plentiful on the surface, conditions below told a different story.
“Hoping to see snow out here, but recognizing that we’re going to see some pretty poor SWE numbers at our Mount Hood test site SnoTel, despite some additional accumulation the last two days,” said Matt Warbritton with the Natural Resources Conservation Service…