A La Niña winter could be on the horizon for the United States, according to the Climate Prediction Center’s (CPC) latest forecast. The CPC, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), suggests that La Niña is likely to develop between now and December, potentially lingering into early 2025.
What Does La Niña Mean for Oregon?
La Niña typically reaches its peak during winter, bringing wetter and cooler conditions to regions like the Pacific Northwest and the Ohio Valley. At the same time, the southern half of the U.S. generally experiences warmer and drier weather patterns.
While El Niño tends to suppress snowfall in many parts of the U.S., La Niña brings quite the opposite effect. NOAA meteorologist Tom Di Liberto has analyzed snowfall trends during past La Niña winters and found that they are often excellent snow years for the Pacific Northwest and the northern Rocky Mountains.
For Oregon, this could mean a higher likelihood of significant snowfall if La Niña conditions materialize.
Snowfall Trends: What the Data Shows
Historical data reveals that much of western Oregon is positioned in the heart of the U.S. regions expected to see the most substantial increases in average snowfall during a La Niña winter.
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A map displaying snowfall trends during the 22 La Niña winters between 1959 and 2024 highlights areas likely to see more snow (shaded in blue) and areas expecting less snow (shaded in brown). For the Pacific Northwest, the blue shading dominates, signaling an above-average snowfall season.
However, while La Niña can bring more precipitation to areas like the Ohio Valley, the warmer conditions it sometimes brings can result in rain rather than snow, particularly in lower elevations.
A Weak La Niña in 2024?
This year’s La Niña is predicted to be both weak and short-lived, a factor that could alter snowfall expectations. Di Liberto’s analysis of nine weak La Niña winters from 1959 to 2024 revealed a mixed bag of results.
In some cases, the Pacific Northwest didn’t see as much snow as during stronger La Niña events. Interestingly, areas just north of Oregon, such as southwestern Canada, experienced below-average snowfall during weak La Niñas.
For snow enthusiasts in regions like Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C., the news isn’t great—every weak La Niña winter recorded below-average snow in those areas.
The Pacific Northwest is already feeling the effects of what could shape up to be a La Niña winter. Mt. Bachelor, one of Oregon’s premier ski destinations, has announced its earliest season opening in 26 years, welcoming eager passholders this Friday. This remarkable early opening sets the tone for what could be a snowy winter ahead for the state.
With La Niña conditions predicted to develop and persist through early 2025, snowfall trends for Oregon show promise. Historically, La Niña winters bring wetter, cooler weather to the Pacific Northwest, and the early snowfall at Mt. Bachelor appears to align perfectly with these expectations. Snow enthusiasts and skiers alike are already buzzing with excitement.
For more details on Mt. Bachelor’s early opening and what’s in store for this ski season, check out our article on Mt. Bachelor’s Earliest Opening in 26 Years.
As La Niña continues to take shape, the entire state could see more snowfall this winter, promising an exciting season for outdoor lovers and adventurers across Oregon. Stay tuned to That Oregon Life for updates on weather patterns, snowfall predictions, and more ways to embrace Oregon’s stunning winter season.
What to Expect for Oregon This Winter
While trends provide a general idea, they aren’t set in stone. Factors like climate change are altering long-standing patterns, leading to a widespread decline in snowfall across much of the U.S. Despite this, Oregon’s mountainous regions could still see significant snow this season if La Niña plays out as forecasted.
And as always, freak snowstorms can defy predictions, so it’s wise to prepare for surprises. For now, it’s safe to say that Oregon’s snow season might deliver some excitement—but only time will tell. This information, including the snowfall trends and La Niña predictions, was sourced from KOIN News, providing local insights into how this weather phenomenon could impact Oregon’s winter season.
Stay tuned to That Oregon Life for updates on weather trends and winter adventures in the Pacific Northwest!
