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March 19- Friday: Snow levels drop, drier weekend ahead.

  • 8 minutes ago
  • 4 min read

DAILY DOSE OF DAYDREAM



Hello Skiers and Snowboarders,


Short-Term Forecast


Much of this week, we have been blessed (cursed) with warm, moist tropical air that has brought heavy mountain rains at times. With air coming from Hawaii, folks used to call this a Pineapple Express, and now it's often called an Atmospheric River.


The map depicts this pulse of warm, moist air. In fact, the current pattern is associated with the ongoing Kona Low, which has been bringing record rainfall and flooding to the Hawaiian Islands. This low forms off Kona, located on the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii. The result is a warm and moist southwest wind.


The good news for the Pacific NW occurs later on Friday when snow levels will finally drop to 3000' by Friday night and into Saturday. However, by then, much of the moisture will be cut off. Later Saturday and Sunday, we can expect a drying trend with some sunbreaks for Sunday. However, the Mt. Baker area could see a few snow showers later on Sunday.


What about the upcoming week? More sun, rain, or snow? Check it out, some good news!


Snow and Weather Summary

  • Friday: 1 to 2" mainly near Mt. Baker late in the day

  • Saturday: Trace of snow, if any, early

  • Sunday: Sun breaks for the day, except near Mt. Baker


Slopes: Elevation General Guidelines

  • Lower Slopes - Under 4000'

  • Mid-Slopes - 4000 to 5500'

  • Upper-Slopes - Above 5500'



Extended Outlook: Monday, March 23 to Wednesday, March 25


Expect dry conditions for Monday and then on Tuesday and Wednesday, snow is back in the forecast with snow levels dropping to 3000 to 4000' at times. The map depicts snow at Stampede Pass at 4000'.


We will have the snow total forecast for our next update on Sunday, March 22.


Interior B.C. Resorts


Many of the Interior B.C. resorts are depicted in the circled part of the map. Many of these resorts have gotten 90 to 125%+ (blue colors) of normal snowpack. Far higher than the numbers for Washington, which has many areas 50% or lower (red colors). The map is from March 18, 2026.


List of Interior B.C. resorts. Read more for links to webcams, trail maps, and dining.


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Health & Wellness-


Travel, Safety & Resorts-


Gear & Apparel-



Warmth & Essentials-

  • IGNIK Outdoors. New RIPPLES rechargeable hand warmers. Snow sports, hiking, camping, and bike riding. Save 25% code: POWDER25. Propane camp stoves.

Food, Drink & Community-

  • The Hall. Sports Bar, family and dog friendly. Kirkland, Queen Anne and Occidental Hall by Lumen Field. Weekend Brunch in Kirkland, on Sat & Sun. Great food, beer, people and community. Family and dog friendly.

  • Vertical Grind. Easy ordering from Amazon for your Snow-Loving friends. Adventure inspired: First Ascent, Open Road, and Switchback. Shop local.


Watch for my trip report later this week. I just had 4 days at Whitefish, MT and finishing 2 days at Fernie, B.C.


Thanks for reading,

Andrea

➡️ Who has the snow? OpenSnow.com (sort by snow depth).

➡️ List of resorts with webcam links. Check websites for operations updates.







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