The Farmers' Almanac Predicts "Less Dependable Snow" for the Pacific Northwest This Winter

“El Niño is Spanish for… the Niño!” Chris Farley’s iconic Saturday Night Live sketch has been playing on a constant loop in my head ever since the “super El Niño” was first forecasted earlier this year.

The strong El Niño could benefit my ski season down here in the Lake Tahoe area, but skiers and lovers of snow in the Pacific Northwest are probably dreading it.

Why? As The Farmers’ Almanac predicts in its long-range Winter 26/27 forecast, El Niño typically brings warmer temperatures and less precipitation. In the case of a “super El Niño”, well, it could mean a lot less snow this winter.

The Farmers’ Almanac keeps its winter 26/27 forecast for the Pacific Northwest brief: “The Pacific Northwest may experience a more changeable and somewhat less dependable snow season.”

Despite the doom and gloom, ski resorts like Mt. Baker, Timberline, and Mt. Bachelor can still sport respectable seasonal snow totals even during an El Niño year, so don’t let the Farmers’ Almanac get you down.

Plus, if the PNW’s season turns out to be a dud and you’re a skier itching for powder turns, you might not have to travel too far. El Niño should bring increased moisture and create the potential for large snowstorms at resorts such as Mammoth Mountain, California, and Wolf Creek, Colorado.

The biggest caveat in this forecast—it’s August, and no long-range winter forecast is ever 100% accurate. So, keep making your prayers to the Snow Gods and don’t lose hope!

Farmers’ Almanac Winter 26/27 Regional Forecasts

• Full U.S. Farmer’s Almanac Forecast:Calls for Snow, Sleet … and Surprises
• New England/East Coast Farmer’s Almanac Forecast: “Tricky” Winter 26/27
• California Farmers’ Almanac Forecast: “Rain” and “Mixed” Precipitation

Related: As El Niño Looms, YouTube Forecaster Releases His Long-Range Winter Forecast