But holiday week travelers might not feel so fortunate in the coming days as they contend with a string of storms that the National Weather Service predicted Monday would be “vigorous.”
The snow started falling Christmas morning in the Cascade Mountains, and by Monday morning Crystal Mountain had 9 inches of fresh powder.
“Apparently we were pretty good this year, because Santa brought us about twice as much snow as everybody,” resort spokeswoman Tiana Enger said.
The Summit at Snoqualmie had 2 inches of snow and White Pass received 5 inches.
The snow lured more than 5,300 guests to Crystal Mountain on Monday, requiring late arrivals to use the dreaded F Lot, more than a half-mile from the lifts.
“It was our biggest day of the season so far,” Enger said.
Skiers and resort owners alike hope that Monday signaled the real start of the season. Ski areas have been operating since before Thanksgiving, but dry weather has left conditions less than ideal.
Weather forecasts are favorable for winter recreation. The National Weather Service is predicting snow in the Central Cascades for the rest of the week with a chance of rain Wednesday morning.
On Christmas, high winds forced Crystal to close some lifts on the upper mountain.
More wind could be on the way this week, thanks to what the Weather Service calls a series of vigorous frontal systems that were expected to begin Monday night.
Tonight, a windy and wet system is forecast to move onshore. The snow level was expected at 3,000 feet Monday night but will rise above pass levels today. Then, like clockwork, a third system will bring more rain and wind late Wednesday and another system will move in Friday, the Weather Service said. Friday’s system might veer to the north of Western Washington, but it has the potential to cause damaging winds over portions of the area.
While rivers will rise during the week, only the more flood-prone rivers such as the Skokomish might rise above flood stage, according to a statement released by the Weather Service.
Despite the dry end of fall and start to winter, the long-range forecast predicts a La Niña winter, which means cold and wet weather.
Last year’s La Niña winter was a boon for the Northwest ski industry. Washington ski areas had 2.1 million visitors, fourth-most in state history according to the Pacific Northwest Ski Area Association.
Craig Hill: 253-597-8497
craig.hill@thenewstribune.com
Craig Sailor: 253-597-8541
craig.sailor@thenewstribune.com
