Stellar Snow Year At Mt. Bachelor; CA Snowpack Above Average; Unseasonal Cold Forces Ukraine to Burn Through Remaining Gas Reserves; Sea Levels Higher In The Past; + Insecure
The past, as always, tells a story of natural variability and ecosystem resilience.
Stellar Snow Year At Mt. Bachelor
With over 430 inches (1,092 cm) of snowfall this season and base depths peaking at 157 inches (399 cm) in March, Mt. Bachelor has seen one of its snowiest winters in years.
“It’s been a massive snow year,” says Ben Suratt, grooming manager. “We’ve been out in it every night.”
Suratt and his team operate a fleet of 18 snowcats, most of which are out on the slopes nightly. Each 25,000-pound machine crawls across the mountain at six miles per hour, equipped with a front blade to shape the snow, tracks to compact it, and a tiller that spins and lays down the signature corduroy finish.
Groomers run two shifts—4 pm to midnight and midnight to 9 am—battling darkness, biting wind, and deep powder. “It can be really dangerous,” Suratt says. “You’re out in the cold, in the dark, working on machines in the middle of winter.”
Despite the harsh conditions, Suratt wouldn’t trade it. “It’s cold, it’s dark—but it’s awesome. We’re in the mountains. And we’re making something skiers love.”
With the spring pass now active, and snow still deep—current base depth sits at 146 inches (371 cm)—Mt. Bachelor is gearing up for a strong finish to an epic winter.
California Snowpack Above Average
California’s April snow survey at Phillips Station recorded 64 inches (163 cm) of snow depth and a snow water equivalent (SWE) of 27.5 inches (70 cm)—113% of average. Statewide SWE sits at 28.6 inches (73 cm), or 110% of normal.
