The snow level on Mount Hood is well below average for this time of year, forcing race cancellations and limited resort operations.

Hydrologists measured the snowpack at the Mt. Hood Snotel Test Site this week at 28 inches, with 12.4 inches of water content. That’s just 41 percent of normal for this time of year at 5,370 feet on the mountain. A year ago at the same spot the snow was 93 inches deep.

Ever since a nasty Thanksgiving weekend storm dumped nine inches of rain on Mount Hood, resorts have been struggling with low snow coverage. Trails normally covered with snow by this time of year at Mt. Hood Meadows and Timberline are marred by rocks, mud and grass.

The situation is even bleaker at lower elevations. Skibowl and Cooper Spur still have not opened their chairlifts, and both were scheduled to host races this weekend.

Here is a list of 10 Mount Hood chairlifts that are closed and awaiting more snow as of January 2, 2014:

1. Jeff Flood Express
2. Hood River Express
3. Heather Canyon
4. Stadium
5. Lower Bowl
6. Upper Bowl
7. Multorpor
8. Cascade Chair at Skibowl East
9. Cooper Spur
10. Summit

The forecast is calling for snow tonight, with a chance of more snow early next week.

Last modified: January 2, 2014