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Nov 30- Powder coming next weekend? Get skis ready.

  • Writer: Andrea Hamilton
    Andrea Hamilton
  • 1 hour ago
  • 5 min read

DAILY DOSE OF DAYDREAM - TODAY'S RIDDLE

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Clear night. Minus five. Moisture just right.

Tonight I have a spiky new jacket.

 What am I?

Photo credit: Gavin Crawford, Big White (Scroll for the reveal…)

Hello skiers and snowboarders,


Short Term Forecast

Later on Monday, a weak weather system will glance northern Washington and bring some light snow from late Monday into early Tuesday. The best chance of snow will be for Mt. Baker and points north, with snow at the mid-slopes. Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie Pass, and Crystal Mountain will also see some light snow over this period at mid-slope elevations.


On Wednesday, we are expecting dry conditions across the region. Then, during the day on Thursday, a trough of low pressure will slowly drop in from the northwest. The best chances of snow will be later in the day. Will this be enough for the major Washington ski resorts to open? See the extended outlook below.


Map 1 shows cumulative snowfall from today through mid-day Thursday of about 3" for Stampede Pass at 4000 feet, just east of Snoqualmie Pass.


HIGHLIGHTS

  • Later Monday to Tuesday – 1 to 3" for Mt. Baker, less for areas to the south

  • Wednesday – Dry

  • Thursday – Later in the day, up to 4" for mid to upper slopes

Slopes – Elevation general guidelines:

  • Lower slopes – under 4000 feet

  • Mid-slopes – 4000 to 5500 feet

  • Upper slopes – above 5500 feet

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Extended Outlook – Friday, December 5 to Sunday, December 7


The question we get is, "When will the ski resorts open?" It is fair to say that after the weekend of Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7, we will be very, very, very close. Why?


Map 2 shows conditions for Sunday, December 7. We see a deep trough of low pressure dropping in from the northwest. The net impact will be cold and moist air moving in – a great recipe for powder.


How much powder? It is too early to speculate on totals, as the models are currently giving a wide range of outcomes.


We will have a much better handle on this with our next update on Thursday, December 4. Get your gear ready.


Michael Fagin

Meteorologist


Forward this to a Powder friend.


P.S. Don’t miss:

  • Sponsor Shoutouts -Holiday gift giving.

  • EVENT: Meet Larry on Wed, Dec 17. Moss Bay Hall in Kirkland. Details below.

  • Slope Stories. Read one, send one.

EVENT ALERT: Wed, Dec 17

Meet Larry, connect with skiers and riders, and pick up some Poobah swag.

RSVP on Eventbrite so we can have a head count.

Kirkland, at Moss Bay Hall. Address: 111 Central Way. Wed, Dec 17 from 6:00 - 8:00


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THE PERFECT GIFT

It comes in many forms — a box, a gift card, or an unforgettable experience.


Shop our Sponsors:


Food, Drink & Community

Sports bar, family and dog friendly. Brunch in Kirkland Sat & Sun. Great food, beer, people and community. Events list

  • Vertical Grind. Gift giving essentials, order now! Stock up with the gift of coffee for your Snow-Loving friends. Adventure inspired: First Ascent, Open Road, and Switchback. Shop local and support Powder People.


Gear & Apparel


Travel, Safety & Resorts


Health & Wellness


Warmth & Essentials

  • IGNIK Outdoors. New RIPPLES rechargeable hand warmers. Put these next to your heated socks and vest. Save 25% code: POWDER25. Cool propane camp stoves.

Welcome to Slope Stories: Celebrating the People Who Shape Our Mountain Community


Slope Story: Scott Coleman

Club: 60 over 60


  • Born: Rice Lake, Wisconsin. (It was 20 below zero when he arrived — fitting for a future skier.)

  • High School: Franklin Pierce High School, Tacoma


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Scott started skiing in junior high at 13. His school’s ski club made it possible, and from the very beginning he knew skiing would be a lifelong passion.


He’s thankful he’s only had one major injury — though it was a memorable one. On the first day, first run at Sun Peaks in February 2018, he was whistling If I Only Had a Brain and jokingly called out “speed run!” to his friends. He hit a cat track at about 60 mph and, instead of sending it like the former downhill racer he was, he tried to scrub speed. Eighty feet later, he landed hard on his shoulder and back. He fractured his scapula and tore his rotator cuff.


After surgery that August, he recovered and was back on snow the very next season. The whole crash was caught on his GoPro.


Scott skis Crystal mid-week all season long — and it never gets old.


Thank you, Scott and others, for sending in your stories. Watch here for more.


➡️Details: Send your Slope Stories — people, memories and the moments.

Or share the story of someone who inspired you.


📬 You'll receive

  • Sticker Pack in the mail (everyone)

  • Limited Powder Poobah tote bag (first 100)

RIDDLE

Clear night. Minus five. Moisture just right.

Tonight, I have a spiky new jacket.

 What am I?


I am a light bulb covered in hoar frost.

Photos by Gavin Crawford, Big White.

Hoar frost refers to the frost that forms by the direct sublimation of vapor, resulting in needle-shaped ice crystals. It typically occurs at temperatures below 0 °C and is distinct from frozen dew. More on Hoarfrost and Rime Ice


The word 'hoar' comes from old English and refers to the old age appearance of the frost: the way the ice crystals form makes it look like white hair or a beard.


Gavin Crawford is a Big White skier and photographer. He also shoots snowflakes and Snow ghosts.

Check out his work: Photos: Gavin Crawford


SMS: Sign up to get a text message when the Powder Alert goes out. Link here


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Thanks for reading!

Andrea

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