South Sound skiers and snowboarders got exactly what they wanted for Christmas: snow.
But holiday week travelers may not feel so fortunate in the coming days as they contend with a string of storms that the National Weather Service predicted Monday would be “vigorous.”
The snow started falling Christmas morning in the Cascade Mountains and by Monday morning Crystal Mountain had nine inches of fresh powder.
“Apparently we were pretty good this year, because Santa brought us about twice as much snow as everybody,” said resort spokeswoman Tiana Enger.
The Summit at Snoqualmie had two inches of snow and White Pass received five inches.
The snow lured more than 5,300 guests to Crystal Mountain on Monday, requiring late arrivals to use the dreaded F Lot, more than a half mile from the lifts.
“It was our biggest day of the season so far,” Enger said.
Skiers and resort owners alike hope Monday signaled the real start of the season. Ski areas have been operating since before Thanksgiving, but dry weather has left conditions less than ideal.
Weather forecasts are favorable for winter recreation. The National Weather Service is predicting snow in the Central Cascades for the rest of the week with a chance of rain Wednesday morning.
On Christmas, high winds forced Crystal to close some lifts on the upper mountain.
More wind could be on the way this week, thanks to what the Weather Service calls a series of vigorous frontal systems that were expected to begin Monday night.
Tonight, a windy and wet system is forecast to move onshore. The snow level was expected at 3,000 feet Monday night but will rise above pass levels Tuesday. Then, like clockwork, a third system will bring more rain and wind late Wednesday and another system will move in Friday, the Weather Service said.
Friday’s system may veer to the north of Western Washington, but it has the potential to cause damaging winds over portions of the area.
While rivers will rise during the week, only the more flood-prone rivers such as the Skokomish may rise above flood stage, according to a statement released by the Weather Service.
Despite the dry end of fall and start to winter, the long-range forecast predicts a La Nina winter, which means cold and wet weather.
Last year’s La Nina winter was a boon for the Northwest ski industry. Washington ski areas had 2.1 million visitors, fourth most in state history according to the Pacific Northwest Ski Area Association.
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