MOUNT HOOD, Ore. — For weeks, Oregon ski resorts have been awaiting more snow. Currently, climatologists said the Cascades have seen 60% less snowpack than usual at this point through the season.
Warmer weather has delayed the beginning of the ski season for some resorts and has led to poor conditions for skiers and snowboarders.
On Tuesday afternoon, though, more snow arrived on Mount Hood, leading to optimism among skiers.
"I was a little disappointed coming up, but it's OK now," said Kristina Hawkins, a skier at Timberline Lodge.
Due to a warm El Niño season, along with a warming climate, state climatologist Larry O'Neill said we may see a smaller snowpack than usual in the Cascades.
"We're not expecting the snowpack to become ... really robust or really great," O’Neill said.
Some resorts, like Ski Bowl, have been forced to delay opening.
"It's been a little bit of a challenge getting going here," said Ski Bowl General Manager Mike Quinn.
He hopes that Ski Bowl, which is at a lower elevation than lodges like Mount Hood Meadows and Timberline Lodge, will be able to open in the next couple of weeks.
In the first couple days of January, there is hope that more snow could soon arrive. In the next couple of weeks, much more snow is expected for Mount Hood.
"I'm digging it, man," said skier Jeff Hornick.
Hornick said Tuesday was his second time skiing this season. On his first trip, there wasn't much snow.
"There hasn't really been any snow since last week. And last week, there were some bare spots and limited runs," he said.
For the first time this season, Hornick said he skied on fresh snow Tuesday.
RELATED: See the latest forecast from KGW
With more snow expected soon, O'Neill said it's still possible the Cascades reaches its average snowpack. Meanwhile, skiers are becoming more optimistic as snow continues to fall.
"Get your skis; it's probably coming," Kristina Hawkins said.