Snow finally set to fall in Washington mountain passes, as resorts prepare to open doors
Dec 11, 2019, 8:56 AM
Washington's ski resorts are preparing for a Wednesday snow storm. (AP)
(AP)
While late November and early December typically mark the start of the snow season at Washington’s mountain resorts, skiers and snowboarders have been disappointed by dry conditions. That’s coming to an end Wednesday, with snow expected at Snoqualmie, Stevens Pass, and more.
Monitor Washington mountain pass webcams
“At long last, a respectable autumn storm will smack the region today,” said Seattle Weather Blog’s Justin Shaw on Twitter.
A winter storm warning for most of Western Washington’s mountain passes will start at 1 p.m. Wednesday, and end Friday at 10 a.m. This will likely make travel difficult, with “heavy” snow expected.
A winter storm warning is in effect for most of our mountain passes from 1 p.m. Wednesday until 10 a.m. Friday with some heavy snow expected. Snoqualmie Pass will be seeing more precipitation, please drive safely and follow all road restrictions. https://t.co/IFMcjavBng
— I-90 Snoqualmie Pass (@SnoqualmiePass) December 11, 2019
That could produce upwards of two feet of snow at Stevens, and four feet at Mount Baker, giving skiers and snowboarders the snow they’ve been waiting on for weeks. That would also end a dry period that’s seen snowpack in the mountains at one-third of what it typically is this time of year.
Mount Baker Ski Resort expects to begin early setup soon, with “a good possibility of opening as early as the middle of next week,” depending on how the weather unfolds in the coming days.
Seattle in ‘terrifying dull’ run of weather
Things are a little more uncertain for The Summit at Snoqualmie, with no current estimate as to when the resort plans on opening its doors for the winter season.
“We’re not open just yet, but the forecast is calling for a decent storm pattern to roll through later this week,” The Summit’s website reads. “Opening is always dependent on natural snowfall, so opening day varies season to season.”
Stevens Pass is in a similar holding pattern as it awaits this week’s snowfall.
“Calm before the the storm,” it teased on Twitter. “Anyone checked out the forecast lately? Get stoked… it’s looking righteous.”
