New snow is in the forecast for Hurricane Ridge — but don’t expect it to snow enough to allow the ski area to be open this weekend.
“The wait continues — there’s only 24 inches up there right now, and we need 48 inches to open the rope tows,” Curtis Shuck, general manager of the Hurricane Ridge Public Development Authority, said late Wednesday.
“We’re going to need a lot more than just one storm to get us open.”
Indeed, only four to eight inches of new snow is expected at the Ridge through Sunday from an Arctic front sweeping in on us from British Columbia starting tonight.
It’s been a subpar season so far at the Ridge and ski resorts across Washington.
The Summit at Snoqualmie is open on a limited schedule, and Crystal Mountain is also open to skiers, but the thin snow cover isn’t ideal for skiers.
“Oh, yeah, we could definitely use some snow,” said John Pretty, spokesman for The Summit.
Unless closed by weather, the road to the Ridge will be open Friday through Sunday.
And while the rope tows won’t be operating for downhill skiers and snowboarders, there should be enough white stuff for cross-county skiers, sledders and innertube riders.
Before venturing to the Ridge, always check the 24-hour Olympic National Park Road and Weather Info Line — 360-565-3131 — to make sure the road is open (snow tires are mandatory — and don’t forget to load your car with chains, blankets, shovel and emergency kit).
Also check the Port Angeles Parks and Recreation Winter Sports Info Line — 360-417-4555, press 1, then 5.
