Prayers have been answered. Snow is on the way.

By Saturday morning, local ski areas could get a refresh of a foot of snow, according to forecasts. Although Mt. Bachelor, Hoodoo Ski Area and Willamette Pass Resort were stricken by about a three-week long dry spell this January, the mountains all still have significant snow bases thanks to early season dumps that rounded out 2024.

Yet again, temperatures are supposed to drop over the weekend — in the mountains and in town. Highs in Bend are in the 30s with chances of snow Sunday and Monday. Lows are in the mid-20s overnight. Whether you’re headed to Bachelor, local sno-parks or the grocery store, stay safe on the roads and enjoy the snow.

Below are some recommended spots for recreation this weekend. For mountain biking and other trail-specific updates, check out bendtrails.org and the BendTrails Facebook group.

Snow in the forecast

Mt. Bachelor

Over a foot of snow is expected to fall on Mt. Bachelor between Thursday night and Saturday morning, according to the mid-mountain forecast. Six inches is forecasted for Friday night, making Saturday a great day to hit the mountain. Light snow will continue through the day Saturday with a couple of more inches expected Sunday.

Temperatures are predicted to remain in the teens all weekend, with a high of 16 degrees Fahrenheit Saturday morning. Winds could reach 30 mph Saturday.

As of Thursday, the ski area had received no new snow over the week, according to the mountain report. Bachelor has tallied 244 inches of snow so far this season. The mountain’s base depth was 94 inches Thursday.

Hoodoo Ski Area

Of the three local ski areas, Hoodoo is forecasted to get the most snow this weekend. The mid-mountain forecast suggest the mountain could get 16 inches of snow by Saturday morning. A couple of more inches is expected through the day plus 4 inches Sunday. Temperatures should remain around 20 degrees Fahrenheit on the mountain.

Hoodoo’s base depth was 62 inches Thursday, according to its conditions report. Its season total was 148 inches of snow.

Willamette Pass Resort

Willamette Pass had seen no snow over the week, according to the snow report Thursday, but snow is on the way this weekend. The mid-mountain report predicts 5 inches of snow Friday night and a total of a foot between Thursday night and Saturday morning.

The mountain’s base depth was 43 inches Thursday morning. The resort had received a total of 122 inches of snow this season. All trails and lifts were open Thursday.

Fresh tracks available at Swampy Lakes

Swampy Lakes Sno-park is a safe and easy bet for cross-country skiers and snowshoers this weekend. The sno-park, which is just a 20-minute drive from Bend, has a variety of beginner and intermediate loops topping out at 6 miles in length. It also offers access to Swede Ridge and Swampy Lakes shelters as well as nearby Vista Butte trails.

With snow falling in the mountains this weekend, it’s a great time to glide or march through a wintry Deschutes National Forest.

Swampy Lakes has toilets and a warming hut. These are non-motorized winter trails. Snowmobilers should check out nearby Wanoga Snow Play Area Sno-park.

Be aware that this is a popular destination for winter recreation on weekends. Prepare to adjust plans. Neighboring Dutchman and Vista Butte sno-parks both offer access to area trails.

Consistent winter fishing in Fall River

Fly-anglers continue to report good and consistent fishing in the Fall River, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) website. Nymphing and stripping small streamers have been the most effective methods. Anglers advise looking for fish congregating in the deeper runs due to cool winter water temperatures.

New regulations are in effect for Fall River. The river is now closed to fishing below Fall River Falls Oct. 1 through May 21. Fall River above the falls remains open year-round. Fly-fishing with barbless hooks only. ODFW staff have noticed an increase in lures being used in Fall River and remind anglers that the use of lures and bait is prohibited.

The Fall River runs just north of La Pine and is about a 45-minute drive southwest from Bend.

Check out the ODFW’s website for more fishing reports.

For a full list of conditions updated regularly, visit bendbulletin.com/explore/conditions.

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