Where's the snow?

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-->>>> we're back with a question many people are asking on this late december evening, where, oh, where is winter? usually this time of year we've had a big winter storm to tell you about, but not this year. in fact, records are being set this season for how little snow there's been. for some that's good news. for others cold comfort. more now from nbc's mike tiabbi.

>> reporter: at squall valley resort it's a brutal start to the season. only five of the trails have any snow at all.

>> we make the best of it with two runs we have.

>> reporter: while they're skatingiska skating and dining, it sure doesn't feel like winter.

>> it can turn on a dime.

>> reporter: it's not turning yet. from california and the pacific northwest, across the great lakes region and to the northeast, there's less than half the snow on the ground than there was last year with unusual jet stream patterns acting as blockers. the jet stream setup is different from last year. we don't get the cold air, so most of what's falling is rain and not snow. temperatures have been so unseasonably warm that more snow machines are sitting idle than grooming the slopes. it placing like usually snowbound boise the cabin feverish are hitting to the tee instead of planning to ski. in fact, the records unlike the snow are piling up. reno will have its first snow-less december since the late 19th century. new york only its third. on this day last year, in fact, new york was paralyzed by a blizzard. today hardly. in minneapolis last year the metrodome collapsed beneath a mountain of snow. today 37 and sunny. squaw valley last december? spectacular. this time last year on this very spot, the snowpack was so thick, about twice my height, if you were on one of those chair lifts your feet might have grazed the snow. on the flipside cities and states are saving millions on snow removal. in rochester, new york skiers are adapting.

>> epic, conditions. tons of powder.

>> where they're still waiting? hope and history.

>> all it takes is one four-foot snowfall, and everybody's memories whim be erased.

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