#skiwashington

"Powder Alert  - Dec 11

Weather Update

We are finally out of this very cold, dry pattern and moving back to a typical winter pattern. The cold has kept the snow in good shape, but we certainly could use some new dumpage to freshen up the surface. The good news - more snow is in the forecast.

We have three storms lined in the queue for a visit to the Pacific Northwest.

The first is Thursday night. Expect moderate snow with 3"-12" and snow level of 3000-4000ft. Friday morning snow showers will taper off. The storm favors the central and north Cascades. Best skiing will be mid and upper mountain.  The next storm will have a slightly higher snow level (4000-4500ft) and will begin later Saturday into Sunday (2-9" new). I like both Saturday and Sunday for making a few turns.

The last in the series will be Tuesday with lowering snow levels by Wednesday. This storm doesn't' produce a lot of snow, but lower snowlevels will be a good trade off with good quality, but minor/modest dumpage ( 1" -5") SL 2500ft by Wednesday.

It's been a slow start to the season but there has been skiing available since

before Thanksgiving.   Again it's early season, check skiwashinton.com websites for resort updates regarding coverage, snowfall, and chairlifts which are open. 

It will be colder as the snow falls in Eastern Washington with quality snow, but light to modest dumpage. Consider Washington's eastside areas like Mission Ridge, Mt Spokane, Forty Nine Degrees North, Bluewood (near Walla Walla) and of course one of my favorites Loup Loup near the Methow - it's small, but it's got soul. Don't forget to try the chili.

From Larry's Powder Alert:

"Powder Alert  - for Monday Dec 2

 Hello Friends of Deep Powder:

 A strong weather system is headed our way, from the northwest, with lots of cold air and moisture. This type of weather system is often the cause for much rejoicing in the powder hound community, because the cold air keeps the snow level low and snow very powdery. We will eventually have some good quality dumage - but we have some timing and snow level issues to sort out.

 For Saturday, there is a weak weather system so expect a chance of a little rain or rain/snow mix. Snow level will be about 4000ft.

 The bulk of precipitation will be with Sunday's storm and will occur from early Sunday to early Monday. Most of Sunday we will be in the dreaded warm sector of the storm. That will mean a snow level of 5500 to 6000 ft. Expect rain at the bottom and rain/snow mix mid mountain and mainly snow up top. This will not be light precipitation but often moderate to heavy. Right now it appears the snow level will not plunge until late Sunday and very early Monday morning - down to 2000ft , then down to 500ft or near sea level. The cold is definitely coming, but the question is how much moisture will be leftover when the snow level plummets? Your Poobah's  forecast is 12-24" of new snow starting late Sunday to middle day Monday.

 After Monday it will be cold and dry for several days.

 Right now only Crystal and Baker are open on Monday and those are my picks for your powder pleasure on Monday - but be sure and check to see what their plan is and remember early season conditions exist.

 Early in the season, always check ski area web sites for hours of operations and what is open. Operations are changing day by day due to variable weather, snow coverage and dumpage accumulated.

 Your Grand Poobah of Powder"