Big snow in the Cascades and Olympics are a great end of 2017 gift to the ski and snowboarding faithful.   Consistent accumulation for the last week and a half is adding up.  A warm front is slamming into us today (Friday) so a lot of snow layers are consolidating as the snow level is spiking to 5000 feet.   This consolidation is a way of our NW mountains, providing freezing rain and sleet that covers the steepest of terrain and melds the snow layers together so there is a strong bond between those layers.  However during the consolidation effect, we will see high avalanche danger, so no ducking rope lines and check out the Northwest Avalanche Center for the most up to date avalanche information if you are headed into the back country.     That said, its all getting colder again this evening and more snow is on the way.

Last night, Thursday 12/1, Crystal Mountain reported 16 inches of new snow on the southern part of our local mountains, while Mt Baker reports 11 inches on the northern realms of our local zone.  The freezing level is dropping to 1000-2000 feet over the next 24 hours with over 2 inches of moisture expected at Snoqualmie Pass.   This could mean 20-30 fresh inches for all of the New Years Eve Parties that are happening around the local ski areas.    Be prepared by having chains, even if you have a all-wheel drive vehicle, as it can get soupy up there.

Here are links to local ski areas so you can visit their sites for the most up to date info. If you had a great day on the mountain, come by Mountain to Sound Outfitters and let us know how your trip was or feel free to post in the comment section.

Crystal Mountain Resort

Summit at Snoqualmie

Stevens Pass

Mt. Baker Ski Area

Mission Ridge Ski Area

White Pass Ski Area

Loup Loup Ski Bowl

Make sure you check the WSDOT Pass Reports for driving conditions.

Greg Whittaker is the owner of Mountain to Sound Outfitters your West Seattle ski, snowboard, kayak, and paddle board experts that can also rack out your car so you can carry all that gear that wont fit in your trunk.