Hello skiers,
Powder Alert for Monday and Tuesday
A wild week of weather is ahead, first with a major storm producing deep powder for the Cascades. Then by mid-week, expect sunny, warm weather with delightful spring skiing.
A vigorous storm is moving into the Cascades right now, as the snow has been falling at Baker already, much of the day on Sunday. Mild air with a warm front will nudge the snow level up overnight to about 4,000 - 4,500 ft. The snow falling around midnight to 3am may be a bit sticky. Thats ok, because the overnight snowfall will provide a base under the quality snow to come. During the early to mid-morning hours (4am-9am), a cold front will move in causing the snow level to lower as the snowfall continues. The snow level will be about 3,000 ft when the lifts open, continuing to lower to 2,500 ft by lunch.
Expect the usual snow storm caveats: Windy on the ridges (20-35/40 mph) probably not strong enough to close lifts (not a guarantee), but the wind will drift snow in places. Visibility could be an issue, with blowing snow and fog. Ski with a friend, tree wells can be hazardous. Do not ski closed areas (avalanche danger). Expect to ski in the snowfall most of the day. Total snowfall from Sunday through early Tuesday will be 1-2 ft, possibly up to three at Baker.
Tuesday will see a transition with snowfall tapering off, but still another epic powder day with new snow and quality leftovers. The slopes will be cold in the morning with fantastic snow with low snow levels. Possibly some partial clearing after lunch. Beware, once it warms and the sun get on it, it might get heavy fast so favor the north facing slopes.
I like both Monday and Tuesday. Monday has much of the new snowfall with moderately low and falling snow levels. Tuesday the snow levels bottom out for great snow quality, with respectable new snowfall and quality leftovers be there early.
Youll need your sunscreen by Wednesday and Thursday as building high pressure will produce substantial clearing with sunny and warmer weather and fine spring skiing.
Heres how it goes down:
Monday: morning - 6-12 new SL 3,000ft
Snow level lowering by noonish to 2,500 ft
New snow during the day 3-6 free refills!
Monday overnight into Tuesday morning: the snow level lowers to 1,500 ft with 5 - 9 new. There will be a little more snow Tuesday during the early ski day, but also partial clearing.
Then, instant spring skiing on Wednesday and especially Thursday with sunshine as a big, but transient, ridge of high pressure moves through the NW. The snow will get soft on the lower and south facing slopes. North facing should be good all day.
Friday and into the weekend will see cooler weather with partial clearing, mixed with light snow. Ill update Thursday or Friday
grand pooboah of powder
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