After an abnormally dry January, February will begin with good news to the region’s skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts.
Heavy snow is coming.
A winter storm warning was put into effect by the National Weather Service for the Cascade Mountains above 3,000 feet from 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1.
Snow accumulations of six to 12 inches are forecasted with up to 15 inches possible above 5,000 feet for the South Washington Cascades and North and Central Cascades of Oregon. Another five to 11 inches could fall through the rest of the weekend.
More snow and sub-freezing temperatures remain in the forecast for the first two weeks of February.
Even with new snow, skiers and snowboarders should proceed with caution, even in the first days of fresh snow.
“Much of Meadows’ snow surfaces are currently scoured hardpack that are difficult to edge when not freshly groomed,” Mt. Hood Meadows posted on its website Thursday. “With the excitement of new snow inbound … please remain aware that is hard, scoured surface will not go away quickly. Even with substantial new snow, the winds of Mt. Hood often prevent new snow from completely burying the hard snow. Areas of scoured hardpack will remain.
“Use caution and reduce speed when enjoying new snow, especially in steep terrain. Avoid carrying speed into scoured areas. Reduced visibility during a storm may make seeing scoured areas more difficult. Encountering a scoured area at speed may result in loss of control, risking long slides and collisions with other persons, trees and fixed objects. We advise guests to explore each new area and each new day at Meadows with caution as our conditions improve.”
Nordic race Sunday at White Pass
The Dick Kendall Memorial Nordic Race is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 2 at White Pass Ski Area.
The cross-country skiing event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a new start location at the Nordic Center Yurt.
This year’s event will include 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer races starting at 10 a.m., followed by a 2-kilometer event at 11:30 a.m., 1-kilometer event at noon and 0.3-kilometer event at 12:30 p.m.
To register and more information, go to skiwhitepass.com/events/wa-nordic-cup-race-5
Vertfest set for Feb. 9 at Mt. Bachelor
Vertfest, a backcountry festival for fall, will be hosted by Mt. Bachelor and the Central Oregon Avalanche Center on Sunday, Feb. 9.