Idaho ski areas postpone opening as near-record warm November delays snow
Unseasonably warm weather has delayed local ski areas’ season opening dates and staved off snowmaking, and forecasts aren’t calling for powder days anytime soon.
Les Colin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Boise office, said in an interview that this November is the area’s second-warmest on record to date. Colin said the average temperature has been 49.9 degrees — 8 degrees warmer than usual.
“There have been no surges of cold air from higher latitudes like we usually have by now,” Colin said, noting that temperatures haven’t dropped to freezing in November despite reaching freezing in October.
As a result, little to no snow has fallen, even at higher elevations. Most ski areas are reporting no snow on their slopes at all, according to grooming reports.
The warmer temperatures also mean ski areas have been unable to run snowmaking equipment, which sprays mist into the air to create snow in freezing temperatures.
In a news release, Sun Valley Ski Resort said it would not be able to open as expected on Thanksgiving Day. Spokesperson Holly Harris called the region’s snowfall so far this season “a bit grim.” By Friday afternoon, Sun Valley had seen 7 inches of snow in the last week, but had no snow accumulation at its base. Officials said they would try to resume snowmaking as temperatures allow.
Tamarack Resort in Donnelly is also delaying its planned opening, which was scheduled for Nov. 28. Spokesperson Zander Smith said the ski area hopes to open by Dec. 5 if conditions allow.
McCall-based Brundage Mountain was also eyeing Nov. 28 for opening, spokesperson April Whitney said in an email. Despite being fully staffed and ready to operate, she said, the ski area is simply waiting for a storm.
“We are doubling down on the snow dances and will open as soon as we get enough snow to properly pack and groom the slopes,” Whitney said.
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area spokesperson Susan Saad said in an email that Bogus’ goal is to open “in some capacity” the weekend after Thanksgiving.
Colin, the meteorologist, said the Boise area is “not having any major storms coming in that will bring snow in the next six days.”
Colin said the above-average temperatures will continue through Thanksgiving, but there is a possibility of temperatures turning “significantly colder” toward the end of the month. He noted that those forecasts are far enough out that they may change.
