OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK — The snow pack on the Olympic Mountain Range is still too thin to open the Hurricane Ridge downhill ski area, and a weekend storm isn’t likely to build up enough of the white stuff to open ski lifts.
But visitors are enjoying snowshoe hikes, cross-country skiing and snow tubing.
The Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area had about a quarter of the snow it needed to be opened, according to a report last week by members of the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Education Foundation, which operates the ski area.
As of 4 p.m. Saturday, Hurricane Ridge’s automated weather station showed 14 inches of snow.
At least 3 feet to 4 feet of snow are required for slope grooming ski lift operations, according to the organization’s website.
An additional 2 to 6 inches of snow are expected to fall on Hurricane Ridge by tonight, said Johnny Burg, forecaster for the National Weather Service, based in Seattle.
A major winter storm expected to drop up to 20 inches of snow on the Cascade Mountains was unlikely to make a major impact on the Olympic Peninsula, Burg said.
From Forks to Brinnon, there is a chance for a dusting of snow — and possible areas of heavier snowfall — as low as 1,000 feet tonight, he said.
Burg said the storm is expected to have moved on by Monday morning. Forecasters say the Olympic Peninsula then will be clear and cold through Thursday.
While there hasn’t been enough snow for skiers and snowboarders, there has been plenty snow for snowshoeing and cross country skiing, said Frank Crippen, ski school director for the sports education foundation and owner of North by Northwest Surf Co., in Port Angeles.
A special New Year’s Day snowshoe hike is scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, weather permitting.
The cost of the snowshoe hike is a suggested $5 donation.
Group size is limited to 25 hikers. Registration begins at the Hurricane Ridge information desk at 1:30 p.m.
The visitor center has restrooms, exhibits, movie and warming area, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends and holiday Mondays through March 29.
Food sales and ski/snowshoe rentals are available 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends and holiday Mondays, as well as daily this week through next Sunday, weather permitting.
The road was closed Saturday because of anticipation of severe weather.
Road status and the ski area’s lift daily status is posted on the Hurricane Ridge road automated report at 360-565-3131.
All vehicles above the Heart O’ the Hills Ranger Station must carry tire chains.
Hurricane Ridge is the westernmost ski area in the contiguous U.S. and one of only three ski areas located in a national park.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arice@peninsuladailynews.com.
