Hello skiers and snowboarders,
New snow is in the forecast, but how much...and when?
For today, we have another dry day with partly sunny skies. Many ski areas are open, but with limited terrain.
The clouds will increase on Monday, from a modest low pressure off the California coast. The low will aim light snowfall into the Cascades on Tuesday. The snow level will hover near 5,000-6,ooo ft with a rain-snow mix on the lower slopes. Snowfall amounts will be light to modest (trace – 5”).
Wednesday and Thursday will be mainly dry and partly sunny. Friday and next weekend might see a little snow at times, but nothing to get excited about. Our best hope of respectable new snowfall on Christmas day (25th) and beyond.
I remain confident that consistent changes are coming along the entire West Coast toward the end of this month. An active snow pattern will begin in about a week near Christmas. Details and how long the new snowfall continues is not clear. It’s too early to be confident in snowfall amounts, but at least we have some realistic hope for significant snowfall (Dec 25- early Jan).
I will keep you up to date on Thursday. Early season conditions exist, be careful.
Happy Holidays – Ski on…
Grand Poobah of Powder
larry schick – meteorologist
WHISTLER REVIEW...
I skied Whistler earlier this week for several days.
Amazingly, I was able to ski from the top to bottom - 5,000 foot vertical, with adequate snow coverage. The coverage is natural snow and manmade snow (person made?), assisted by terrific grooming.
I like to end the day with that long run to the Village. The last turn at the base is a wonderful exclamation point to the ski day. It is a complete coincidence that the final turn is only 20 feet from the Longhorn Bar. BTW: last Tuesday was Swedish night at the Longhorn. On the outside section of the bar, I’ve never seen so many people dancing on tables. Who ever thought the Swedes could really let loose? But nobody can let it go like those Aussies and Kiwi’s at Whistler – over the top enthusiasm.
At Whistler, the snowpack is below normal like most NW resorts, but I found the skiing pretty good. That said, most skiers were downloading, which is recommended from upper or mid station. The main runs were well groomed, and well covered without many thin spots. Open lifts are limited, but I found a lot of variety with many runs open. You could ski out to Symphony Bowl (Symphony lift not open yet, but Flute hike open). Harmony lift is open. Peak lift closed, but looks about to open. Blackcomb is open, but Alpine (Glacier/Seventh Heaven) not open. You probably don’t want to ski off the main runs.
Whistler Blackcomb will see light new snow ahead to improve conditions, with much more snow possible by Christmas week.
Ski on...
