Mt. Hood Meadows today opened the access gates to Jack’s Woods - advanced, double-black diamond expert terrain known for exquisite powder skiing. Meadows is in the midst of a major winter storm that has dropped five feet of powder in just four days (Friday noon through Tuesday noon). It was a “free refills” day, as feather light powder flakes fell an inch an hour all day.
With temperatures in the single digits, Meadows snow safety teams opened access into Lower Heather Canyon for the first time this season. Entrance was limited to Jack’s Woods, a popular powder playground offering gladed tree skiing at its finest. Snow safety is exploring opening more gated access terrain Wednesday depending on conditions.
Meadows videographer Pierce Hodges captured a few runs and between face shots thanked the maker for the superb conditions. Hodges who has been shooting video at Meadows for a decade later commented, “I’m not sure it’s EVER been this good in the last 10 years!”
Powder a plenty in Four Bowl today - Brian Robb Photo
The storm has rocketed Meadows base area snow depth to 104 inches, with eleven FEET at mid-mountain (6,600 foot level). As if five FEET of snow in four days wasn’t enough, the National Weather Service has issued a new winter weather advisory for Mt. Hood forecasting another 8 to 12 inches through Thursday.
Those going off groomed runs to explore the powder are urged to know the danger of tree wells, ride with a buddy and stick with a buddy, keeping each other in sight. For deep snow safety tips visit deepsnowsafety.org.