Snow levels drop this weekend. How much will stick?
DAILY DOSE OF DAYDREAM
From Larry: "I took this picture from chair at Grand Targhee of my own two “eighted” tracks — that was a perfect new snow bluebird day. Feb 2024.
On Powder Snow
“But it isn’t easy,” said Pooh, “because powder snow isn’t a thing you get, it’s a thing that gets you. And all you can do is go to where powder is, so it can find you.”
Modifications by Poobah, with apologies to Winnie the Pooh / A.A. Milne
Hello skiers and snowboarders,
We are on final approach to the 2026–27 snow season and new snow is in the forecast, with an active snow pattern. Finally, we are seeing lower snow levels coming this weekend and early next week.
We may see more than a foot between late today and Monday on the upper slopes. Not enough to open, but a start. Unfortunately, we may see snowfall taper off by the middle of next week.
Right now, status:
Lower slopes – no snow
Mid slopes – patchy snow / bare
Upper slopes – shallow patchy snow coverage
The forecast today through Monday shows a series of storms, with the first one in progress now.
Snow levels will initially be high, on the upper slopes, lowering Saturday to 5,000 ft (mid-mountain), then to 3,500 ft by Monday as snowfall tapers off.
Total new snow will range from a trace to a few inches on the lowest slopes to 1–2 ft on the upper slopes, with the deepest snow north at Whistler. See map.
There will be a pause in the storms next week, with weak, temporary high pressure, but still a chance of snow.
Late November is typically the stormiest / wettest time of year for Seattle, with statistically the wettest day of the year in Seattle being the 19th of November. The wettest 24 hours in Seattle was 5.03 inches on Oct. 20, 2003. That was the greatest early-season atmospheric river on record, causing record early-season flooding.
Fall in the Northwest always produces the warmest storms. Snow levels on average drop December–March. October and November storms often produce variable snow levels and uncertain snowfall. The atmosphere takes a little time to cool off into winter mode.
The upcoming snowfall will be a start, but not enough yet. We generally need 2–3 ft to partially open (snowmaking can help) and 2–5 ft to almost fully open. I’d like to see a really big cold storm to really get us going with a great base.
The tendency in recent years has been less snow early in the season, often because of warmth, with climate change producing higher snow levels. I am afraid this season will be no different. As I said, warmth (high snow levels) is a long-term issue for skiers in the West.
The warmth will be accentuated this year by El Niño. El Niño causes weather pattern shifts. Besides the occasional warmth, El Niño will cause our storms to aim south into California. That doesn’t mean a bust of a ski season, but it does mean we will occasionally struggle with snowfall while some storms go south into California.
For now, let’s be happy with the new snow ahead – we are headed in the right direction. As Pooh said, “…the powder will find us.”
Map shows NW snowfall Friday–Monday. 2–15 inches for WA, with higher totals north for Whistler mid slopes and alpine.
Larry Schick – meteorologist
Grand Poobah – Snow Boss
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Meet Mike Everett, Meteorologist & Resort Correspondent
Mike Everett at Ready Set Snow, the Washington State Ski & Snowboard Museum fundraiser. Thanks to everyone who helped the museum meet its fundraising goal!
Born in Canada and raised in California. Mike Everett is a meteorologist, obsessed skier, and mediocre surfer. On skis since age 5, he’s been lucky enough to collect adventures and stories from mountains in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, North Carolina, and Europe. Despite this, he still deludedly believes that his best days are still ahead. Arthritic knees and many, many miles on the odometer be damned.
Mike spent over a decade forecasting for network affiliates in Florida, Texas, Colorado, Southern California, and Seattle, most recently as Chief Meteorologist at KING 5 News. He holds degrees in Broadcasting from the University of Central Florida and Meteorology from Mississippi State University. In other words, he’s qualified to forecast the storm and to talk about it on camera (and around the campfire) afterward.
After all those years of watching powder days through a studio window, Mike is finally getting outside. As Powder Poobah’s Resort Correspondent, he’ll be checking off bucket-list mountains, revisiting old favorites, and reporting back on what the snow is really doing. He promises his ski days will be strictly professional, though he’s hoping nobody checks too closely.
From the Powder Poobah
Poobah-approved. Places we shop, people we trust, and gear we actually use.
Gear & Apparel
Sturtevant's in Bellevue and Tacoma. New arrivals! Tuning and binding mounts are done daily. Get it done before peak season
Darn Tough Socks — “In 2004, we made a promise that our socks would last forever.” Made with merino wool in Vermont.
XEVO Optics Take 50% off goggles with code powderpoobah
Woolly Clothing Shop local online for merino wool for ski days and everyday NW style. Save 20% with code powderpoobah.
IGNIK Outdoors Rechargeable hand warmers to go with your heated socks and vest. Save 20% with code ignik-poobah-26.
Health & Wellness
Proliance Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Michael had his knee done by Proliance.Full care from injury to rehab.
PRO Medical Podiatry — Dr. Adad is an avid skier who provides medical-grade prescription orthotics built precisely for your unique biomechanics and winter boots.
Alpine Physical Therapy — Poobah verified: They fixed up Larry. PNW skiers who are experts in outpatient orthopedic and neurological rehab and sports medicine.
Food, Drink & Community
The Hall Sports Bar, family and dog friendly. Kirkland, Queen Anne and Occidental Hall. Sunday brunch at Moss Bay Hall in Kirkland.
Dingfelder’s Deli — Authentic New York–style Jewish deli food on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. They cater events, too.
Travel, Safety & Resorts
AAA of Washington. Every driver in the family should have this. Browse AAA perks.
49 Degrees North Buy your season pass and plan your visit to Chewelah, WA, about an hour north of Spokane. Read my trip notes.
Crystal Mountain Resort. Check out season passes, day tickets, rentals, and lessons. View webcams.
Silver Mountain Resort. About an hour east of Spokane. Check out the water park, deals, pass perks, and trail maps. Read my trip report.
Newport High School 40th annual swap.
Friday, November 13
6–7 PM: Early Entry — $15 per person / $30 per family
7–10 PM: Free Admission
Saturday, November 14
10 AM–5 PM: Free Admission
Thanks for reading,
Andrea
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