Pacer skiers and snowboarders have been suffering due to the lack of snow this winter, and the issue isn’t limited to just Oregon. All over the United States, snow levels have been reaching record lows, making enjoying winter sports almost impossible. In the Pacific Northwest, record high winter temperatures have caused concern about water reservoir levels and wildfire risk. From environmental to economic factors, the lack of snow has serious impacts for 2026 beyond missing out on winter fun. 

While an inability to hit the slopes this winter has frustrated many, bigger issues are on the horizon. Ski resorts have been suffering due to low ticket sales, making next season’s passes more expensive. The deficit in funding impacts the amount of lifts resorts can operate and the availability of classes and extra programming. 

“I’m worried about what it may have done to the snow sport-based economy,” said Brittany Larson.

Beyond the winter season, the lack of snow runoff will decrease the amount of water in mountainous lakes and rivers, lowering our clean water supply. The ground will be less saturated, which can increase the risk of wildfires this summer. Fire bans will likely go into effect, limiting the amount of campfires and fireworks allowed in state and national parks this summer. 

“I think it’s going to be a bad wildfire season, because of the lack of snow and early spring,” said junior Maja McCarthy. 

The impacts of a low snowpack this summer will be extreme, but meteorologists have good news for the 2027 winter season. They predict a transition from a La Nina weather pattern to a neutral weather pattern, meaning more snow in the mountains and lower temperatures. Historically, low snow winters are followed by high snow winters, especially in the Pacific Northwest, so the next winter season is likely to be better than this year’s.