La Nina persisted for 3 ski seasons into early 2023 but two well known indices have diverged often since summer 2022. The 2023-24 El Nino topped out at +2.0 by ONI but only +1.1 by MEI. That El Nino has weakened but as of MJJ 2024 the ONI is still +0.2, though the MEI is … Continue reading El Nino/La Nina Defined and Ski Areas Favored by El Nino (as of 2024)
The following major weather patterns affected the 2022-23 ski season. Late October through November: This was the driest November since 2007. Regions with snow mostly had some rain mix as well. Late October snowfall in northern regions mostly melted out. First week of December: A storm track in northern regions brought moderate snow at higher … Continue reading 2023-24 Ski Season Summary
2023-24 suffered the second driest overall November/December in over 50 years of records but made up most of that deficit from January to mid-March. When the snow came it was stronger in the El Nino favored southern regions. Northern regions were overall below average and only Utah finished the season much above average. April snowfall … Continue reading 2023-24 Ski Season Analysis as of May 17, 2024
FirstTracksOnline was founded in 1994 by Marc Guido, who grew up in New England and patrolled at Jay Peak for many years. In 2005 he moved to the skier’s Promised Land of Utah, where he enjoys his Alta season pass (picture above). Tony Crocker, based in Glendale, California, wrote the October 1995 Powder Magazine cover … Continue reading Welcome!
The first half of March brought at least above average snow to all regions, with western North America collectively reaching 96% of normal by March 16. This implies about 130% of normal from January 1 – March 16. Second half of March snowfall was above average in southern regions and mostly below average farther north. … Continue reading 2023-24 Ski Season Progress Report as of April 13, 2024
During the first week of February major storms hit California, Utah and the Southwest. Second half of February snowfall was mainly in the northern regions. The first half of March brought at least above average snow to all regions, with western North America collectively reaching 96% of normal by March 16. This implies about 130% … Continue reading 2023-24 Ski Season Progress Report as of March 31, 2024
Second half of January snowfall was just slightly below normal but it was unseasonably warm and the Northwest and British Columbia were hit by rain the last few days of the month. During the first week of February major storms hit California, Utah and the Southwest. Second half of February snowfall was mainly in the … Continue reading 2023-24 Ski Season Progress Report as of March 16, 2024
Second half of January snowfall was just slightly below normal but it was unseasonably warm and the Northwest and British Columbia were hit by rain the last few days of the month. During the first week of February major storms hit California, Utah and the Southwest. Second half of February snowfall was mainly in the … Continue reading 2023-24 Ski Season Progress Report as of February 29, 2024
