Snow likely in Cascades over Thanksgiving weekend
Nov 22, 2016, 8:30 AM | Updated: 5:35 pm
(File, Associated Press)
(File, Associated Press)
Northwest skiers and snowboarders may want to get out the wax this week as enough snow is expected in the Cascade Mountains to kick off the season.
Guy Lawrence with the Summit at Snoqualmie says if the snow keeps falling at the current pace, the ski resort could open this Thanksgiving weekend.
“We’re definitely getting a lot of [precipitation], and the temps have been dropping,” he said. “We like the way it’s shaping up … definitively supporting the La Nina forecast so far.”
Related: What to know for Thanksgiving traffic this week
Tiana Anderson with Crystal Mountain said they are making powder to fill out their slopes. With 8 inches of snow predicted in the Cascades over the next 24 hours, and up to 2 feet of snow over Thanksgiving, it should put them over the top with plenty of powder.
“We will have the Mount Rainier gondola and Green Valley chair open on Friday for intermediate and expert skiers and riders,” Anderson said. “So it will be perfect way to burn off those calories we consume on Thanksgiving.”
Opening day is set for Friday, Nov. 25th! Operations will be limited. Learn more: https://t.co/zLY173dBCm #OptOutside #WhiteFriday pic.twitter.com/3tsjJR3m2I
— Crystal Mountain (@CrystalMt) November 22, 2016
Meanwhile, over at Stevens Pass, the snowcats could be fired up later this week.
The National Weather Service has issued a Special Weather Statement, and predicts 1 to 3 feet of snow over the passes this week.
For the passes, that means snow will likely accumulate Wednesday night and Thursday. Snow levels will remain low Thursday night and Friday.
In the lowlands, the Weather Service says to expect windy conditions Wednesday night and Thursday. Gusts of up to 50 mph are likely along the coast and north interior. There is also the possibility of another windy period Thursday night.
