Powder Alert

Cascade Powder Ahead

Feb 16th , 2012
submitted - 9:09 pm  Thursday

More snow is ahead, as the storm track begins to consolidate, crank up and take aim in our direction. At last, significant new Cascade snow is headed our way. Snow surfaces were starting to get a tad stale with the repeated ski, then overnight groom cycle - so we all will benefit from the new snow - freshening up the program. As always, a salute to the groomers for tending to the fields - but honestly, sometimes we just need a good dump. Despite the brief, relatively dry spell, the snowpack remains near normal - coverage is
excellent.

It's great news, for the extended holiday weekend. New snow with low snow levels will arrive, and there will be something for everyone.

The fun begins later Friday as a weather system approaches, then pounds the Cascades with increasing snow. Expect 7-15" of new snow between Friday night and early Sunday morning (roughly 36 hr period), with a snow level, fairly low and steady  (Saturday through Monday) in the 1500-2000ft range -- that's a good thing. Expect it to be snowing much of the day on Saturday, filling your tracks. The snow will ease early Sunday morning - expect freshies, when you arrive, with some partial clearing possible by later. Monday conditions will still be excellent, but expect just a little or no new snow - groomers will be silky, with the cool air mass remaining over the region. 

It's hard for me to pick a favored day, because they all have advantages and look good. I guess Sunday, because it has new snow potential early and partial clearing possible later. But ya know, Saturday could be sweet with the snow falling, while Monday may see extended partial clearing, with bluebird breaks possible - and you'll be ripping groomers or stashes of leftover pow.

Ahhh, I am having a "leisure seizure" - what to do? - like what to order at a good Thai restaurant. (Buddha Ruska in West Seattle is my current fav - that fried garlic chicken thing or the special is always great)

Weekend tip - Check out Vertfest at Alpental this weekend - it's about you the snow and the mountains. A celebration of the backcountry culture.

 Poobah of Powder
 

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