Feb 11 11:52 am
POWDER ALERT every day for the next week, also powder day permission slip
A remarkable series of powder snowstorms is evolving to pound the Cascades. At least 4 storms are headed our way in the next seven days. I am attempting to time them out and point you toward optimum ski days. The main forecast challenge is two fold; storm timing and snow levels. Storms are racing at us, each one exposes us to a moderate then lower snow level – say it with me: “timing is important”
There is a break in progress early today, but by this evening expect increasing snow a SL of 3000ft, rising to 5000ft by after midnight, for rain /snow mix lower slopes. Then only slowly dropping through the day. On Wednesday you should favor the upper slopes, it will be sticky. Timing of snow level drop has some uncertainty. I like Thursday better (SL 3000ft) and Friday is my primary pick, as another storm will hammer the Cascades late Thursday (6-12″) and a 2500-3000ft SL by Friday morning.
You’ll see lots of fresh powder. Between Wednesday and Friday, expect 1-2ft of new snow -possibly more. Wind could be an issue on ridges, so be aware of closures and extreme avalanche danger outabounds – don’t go there. Inbounds are generally very low risk and there is plenty of snow, but respect ski patrol ropes, signage, closures.
The weekend will have increasing, unrelenting snowfall mainly Sunday/Monday. Snow storms with SL of 2500- 3000ft . So if you miss the Thur/Fri – the weekend certainly has epic potential. I am leaning toward Sunday if you have to make a pick – but both should be awesome. Holiday Monday looks fantastic too – I am so there!
Your Grand Poobah
(See below)
SPECIAL BONUS material:
…at no extra charge: permission to pursue powder.
NOTE to your Boss from Poobah:
(your name here) needs to ski powder for his mental health and promises to be twice as productive upon return. Let’s be honest, (your name here) is not necessary and absence will not even be noticed.
……………………cut on dotted line…………………
From: His Royal Excellency: The Grand Poobah of Powder, Office of Snow
Subject: Powder Day Release Form – Powder Permission Slip
To: (fill in your spouse, boss, friend or senseless meeting here)
From: (your name here)
Date:
This certificate grants flexibility, without scrutiny or bias, for skiing the Cascades official “powder days” as designated and authorized by special order of the Grand Poobah of Powder. This document only applies to epic powder days. Any misuse of this powder skiing status will result in an untimely curse (you’ll catch an edge in the deep).
Your Grand Poobah of Powder
stamped 02/11/14 “Good Powder Seal of Approval”
User agrees to NSA monitoring, and user agrees not to trash entire fall line with wide powder turns.
……………..cut on dotted line……………………..
