**Update, 12/7/2012, 8AM: The Summit at Snoqualmie ski slopes officially open for this year’s ski and snowboarding season on Saturday, December 8th, from 9AM-4PM. **
In case you hadn’t already heard, it’s been snowing at Snoqualmie Pass really hard today. At one point the pass closed all the way back to exit 47 on I-90 so road crews could clear all the cars that hadn’t chained up and got stuck.
For tonight, December 6th, the Washington State DOT is requiring chains on all vehicles (except all-wheel drive) and oversize vehicles are prohibited in both directions of I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass.
Currently there is a lull in the snowfall, but NOAA weather forecasters say another weather “shortwave” is making its way inland, which should “enhance precipitation again this evening and overnight” in the mountains.
Speaking by phone, The Summit at Snoqualmie Marketing Director, Guy Lawrence, said it was dumping snow earlier in the day. He said it appeared the Summit was on target to get the higher end of the predicted snowfall totals for the day.
At 3PM he estimated the Summit had received about 10 inches of what he described as “good snow.” According to Lawrence that means it’s the type of snow with good moisture that packs well; like if you grab a handful, you can make a great snow ball with just one squeeze.
It’s the type of snow Snoqualmie Pass needs to create a good pack and allow the slopes to open for this year’s ski and snowboarding season, which still has yet to happen.
According to Lawrence, the Summit at Snoqualmie is “optimistic for a weekend opening.” He said employees were busy today readying their slopes (that sit at about 3,000 feet above sea level) for skiing and snowboarding customers.
There has still been no official opening announcement from the Summit, but word at the pass is that the announcement could come as early as tomorrow morning.
Enjoy the slopes Snoqualmie Valley!
