NOAA Releases March 2025 Forecast
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The NOAA just released its outlook for March 2025, and it’s looking promising for some regions while others may face challenging conditions.
The Pacific Northwest and Alaska are in for a favorable March, with above-normal precipitation and below-normal temperatures (aka pow-town). In contrast, the Southwest and southern regions could experience warmer temperatures and less snow. Ski resorts in the Rockies, Northern Plains, and Northeast should be ready for variable conditions due to forecast uncertainty, according to the report.
Here's a more detailed breakdown by region:
Pacific Northwest and Alaska
- Temperature: Below-normal temperatures are expected in southeastern Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
- Precipitation: Above-normal precipitation is likely, which should lead to good snow conditions for ski resorts in the region.
- Overall Impact: Cold temperatures and ample snowfall make for promising ski conditions in these areas.
Southwest (Including California)
- Temperature: Above-normal temperatures are forecast, which may result in a reliance on snowmaking at resorts.
- Precipitation: Below-normal precipitation is expected, which could reduce natural snow coverage.
- Overall Impact: Warmer temperatures and less snowfall will present challenges for resorts in this region.
Rocky Mountains and Northern Plains
- Temperature: The forecast is uncertain here, with equal chances for above, near, or below-normal temperatures due to variability in weather patterns.
- Precipitation: There's also uncertainty, with some models suggesting normal to slightly above-normal precipitation and others predicting less.
- Overall Impact: Ski resorts in these areas should prepare for fluctuating conditions due to the uncertainty in the forecast.
Great Lakes and Northeast
- Temperature: The temperature outlook is uncertain, with equal chances of above, near, or below-normal temperatures.
- Precipitation: Above-normal precipitation is favored, which should result in good snowfall, especially for higher-elevation ski resorts.
- Overall Impact: Ski areas in these regions could experience favorable snow conditions, though temperatures may vary.
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Southern Plains and Gulf Coast
- Temperature: Above-normal temperatures are expected across much of the southern U.S.
- Precipitation: Below-normal precipitation is forecast, which could further challenge conditions for any ski resorts in these areas.
- Overall Impact: Warmer temperatures and less snowfall make it tough for southern ski areas to thrive in March.
Arctic and Northern Tier (Canada)
- Temperature: The northern regions (including parts of Alaska) will experience below-normal temperatures, while the southern regions (including the U.S. Southern Tier) will likely see above-normal temperatures.
- Precipitation: The Arctic Oscillation is expected to influence weather patterns, leading to fluctuating conditions as March progresses.
- Overall Impact: Below-normal temperatures in the north and potential precipitation make it an ideal period for skiing in northern regions.
Summary:
March 2025 will see diverse conditions across the U.S. and parts of Canada. The Pacific Northwest and Alaska are poised for excellent skiing with cold temperatures and plenty of snow, while the Southwest and Southern Plains may struggle with warmer temperatures and reduced snowfall. Uncertainty in the forecast for the Rockies, Northern Plains, and Northeast means those resorts will need to be prepared for a mix of conditions.
Summary
March 2025 promises to be an epic month for skiing in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Skiers in the Southwest and southern regions might see less favorable conditions. Resorts across the Rockies, Northern Plains, and Northeast should expect a mix of conditions as the forecast remains uncertain.
