October was warmer and drier than a normal October in most ski regions, but 3 moderate widespread storms moved through most of the West so far in November, contributing to the usual early openings on snowmaking. Another smaller western storm is expected over Thanksgiving. Mammoth and Wolf Creek had substantial terrain open on a natural snow base by mid-November, but western Canada hs had the most snow, as evidenced byt extensive openings this week.
California: The first storm storm started with snow levels over 9,000 feet but eventually lowered. The second storm was colder and
snowed up to 2 feet over the Sierra Crest and the third was smaller with a lot of wind. Mammoth and Mt. Rose opened Nov. 5 and several
other areas opened mid-November. Reported snow totals: Squaw 19-39 inches (4% open), Mt. Rose 37 (25% open), Heavenly 35 (4% open), Kirkwood 56
(21% open). Mammoth has had 41 inches at Main Lodge but had much more up high during the first storm and is thus 50% open including a few
of the upper steeps. See Current California Ski Conditions for more details on Southern California and Mammoth.
Pacific Northwest: The storms were strong here but snow levels were variable. Reported snow totals: Crystal 40 inches (5% open),
Stevens 33, Mt. Bachelor 24 (1% open). Whistler has fared the best with 61 inches at 5,400 feet and has 1,000 acres open with
Blackcomb opening additional terrain at Thanksgiving.
Canadian Rockies and Interior B.C.: The November storms have been strongest here. Reported snow totals: Revelstoke 94 inches
(open 11/28), Kicking Horse 95 (open 11/28), Big White 72 (47% open), Whitewater 83 (open Dec. 4), Lake Louise 72 (48% open) and
Sunshine 82 (43% open). Sun Peaks is 31% open. Fernie (40 inches) and Red (22 inches) have probably had some rain like the NW areas
and will open in December.
U. S. Northern Rockies: November reported snow totals, all close to average: Targhee 52 inches (61% open), Jackson 51, Sun Valley 25,
Brundage 37. Schweitzer has had only 13 inches and probably somne rain.
Utah: The November storms have slightly below average in Utah. Alta/Snowbird have had 45 inches (5% open), Brighton/Solitude 46% (11% open) and Park City 35 (1% open).
Northern and Central Colorado: October was much warmer than usual so snowmaking was delayed until the last week and
Loveland and A-Basin each opened a snowmaking run October 29. November reported snow totals: Beaver Creek 45 inches (open 11/25),
Vail 44 (24%), Breckenridge 46 (11% open), Keystone 60 (24 % open), Loveland 68 (14% open). A-Basin is 24% open.
Southern and Western Colorado: The Gothic Snow Lab between Aspen and Crested Butte has had 36 inches, Crested
Butte 26 and Purgatory 32 (7% open). Aspen/Snowmass is 15% open. Wolf Creek has had 52 inches in November plus 26 in October and has opened
all terrain, now on a 36 inch base. Telluride's 75 inches well above average while other areas have had close to average snowfall.
Northeast: Mid-October cold allowed Killington and Sunday River to open first in North America on October 19. After a
week of skiing the snow melted and snowmaking did not resume for nearly 3 weeks. Killington has had 3 inches natural snow and
is 5% open. Sunday rier is 3% open and Sugarloaf 2%.
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