Hello skiers and snowboarders,
This Friday and Saturday, we are expecting lighter snowfall for the mid slopes. However, the upper slopes should get up to 8 inches of cumulative snowfall for Saturday and Sunday. During the day on Saturday, Crystal Mountain should get between 5 to 8 inches and Mt Baker and Whistler higher amounts. 49 Degrees North and Silver Mountain will also get some new snowfall on Saturday. Scroll down to see the snowfall map.
Later on Monday and into Tuesday a stronger system moves in to bring 5 to 10 inches of snowfall for mid slopes by Tuesday afternoon. We will update you on this in our next report on Sunday, December 15.
The map below indicates that the current snowpack in Washington is close to normal. This is indicated by the green colors. Snow Water Equivalent is a metric that water resources managers look at and it is the water content in the snow. With the new snowfall coming we are hoping to increase the snowpack to above normal.
Friday - 1 to 2 inches mid slopes and 2 to 4 inches upper slopes
Saturday - 2 to 3 inches mid slopes and 2 to 4 inches upper slopes. Lower slopes will also get 1 to 2 inches of snow
Sunday - 1 inch
Monday pm to Tuesday pm - 5 to 10 inches mid slopes
MAP DETAIL
The image below is snowfall for the 24 hours ending 4 pm Saturday, December 14. There will be some new snowfall for inland ski areas 49 Degrees North and Silver Mountain. The big winners are Crystal Mountain, Mt. Baker, and Whistler.
EXTENDED OUTLOOK
Starting Wednesday, December 18, we will have a ridge of high pressure that builds, bringing a dry pattern for Wednesday and at least till Thursday, December 19. Some models suggest this dry pattern continues on Friday, December 20.
Prepared by: Michael Fagin meteorologist
histler/Blackcomb field report (Thursday Dec 12, 2024)
- Grand Poobah reporting
I skied Whistler for the last nine days - a wonderful and enthusiastic start to the ski season. The skiing was fantastic. However, like most NW ski areas the terrain at W/B is not completely open.
The mid and upper mountain at W/B is in great shape, with excellent grooming and good coverage. For best results, hit it early in the morning and favor the groomers for now. Beware, there are a few thin spots in the well- traveled lower slopes. Keep an eye out for hazards, especially when the light is flat.
The alpine (Whistler Bowls/Harmony and 7th Heaven) are fantastic. Groomers are smooth. Off-piste skiing was good for a day or two with fresh snow (2-4”) last weekend. Overall, the snow is easy and fun with only a few firm spots. But it’s early season, so use caution as conditions change quickly. As of Thursday (Dec 12th) Glacier chair (Blackcomb) and Symphony chair (Whistler) were not open. I did traverse over and ski some of the terrain in Symphony bowl, and it was good over there, even with the closed lift. Let’s hope all lifts will be open soon.
There is mandatory download to Whistler base, due to lack of snow near the Village. So far this season, it’s been too warm for sufficient natural snow or snow making on the lowest slopes.
An active weather pattern is developing over the next week. That storminess will combine with moderate to low snow levels, resulting in abundant new snow piling up in the mountains. Expect improving snow coverage in the next week throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Happy Holidays.
The Grand Poobah of PowderLarry Schick – meteorologist
P.S. Start saving your best pics for a season kickoff contest in 2025.
From Larry at Whistler below.
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