Weather Stations

Premier ski resort uses MeasureTek to help assure guest safety!

Background:
Mt. Bachelor is one of the Pacific Northwest's largest ski areas.  Located about 20 minutes from Bend and Sunriver Oregon, the 9.065-foot volcanic cone offers world class skiing and snowboarding from November through May.  With an average snowfall of 370 inches per year and with over 3,600 acres of terrain, Mt. Bachelor plays host to Olympic hopefuls and international competitions, as well as families with a passion for winter sports.  Receiving over ½ million visitors a year, quest safety is a key concern of Mt Bachelor and up-to-date and accurate weather information plays a key role.

Problem Statement:
Here is the challenge.  Take a remote mountain top whose summit is at 9,065 feet; add a 3,600-foot elevation change from the summit to the base.  Throw in temperature swings from summer time highs into the 90's to winter time lows that can reach well below zero. Add in annual snowfalls that average 370 inches but that can exceed 600 inches, and just to make it interesting, through in winds that can gust to hurricane strength.  Sounds simple, doesn't it?  This was the challenge that faced Mt Bachelor Ski Resort.

Solution Description:
Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort turned to MeasureTek for a solution.  The system consists of five different stations; one located at the base and four others located at various spots on the mountain, including one at the summit.  At 9,065 feet, Mt. Bachelor gets bragging rights to the highest weather reporting station in Oregon!   The system provides a variety of weather-related data, including wind speed, wind direction and temperature.  The system logs data including peak winds and high and low temperatures, permitting review and analysis of historical data.  The system utilizes Campbell Scientific data loggers which communicate with the base station using a combination of analog phone lines and high power spread spectrum radios.  All data is logged and real-time data is made available via the internet.  Check it out for yourself on the Mt. Bachelor website!

Result:
The system provides Mt. Bachelor with the detailed and localized weather data they need to optimize facility operation.  Weather conditions govern the operation of the ski lifts, and the real-time weather data permits Operations Staff to respond quickly to changing conditions.  Strict guidelines govern the operation of the facility, and the system enhances the facility's ability to operate while helping assure the safety of their visitors!

For more information on this or other applications, please contact MeasureTek at (541) 924-8988 or visit our website at www.measuretek.com.