Ski areas issue powder alerts; avalanche danger 'considerable'

While snow is making the three-day weekend a challenge for many motorists, it’s a treat for skiers and snowboarders. Although one popular snow destination, Mount Rainier’s Paradise, is closed today.

CRAIG HILL; Staff writer

Published: 01/16/12 7:28 am

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While snow is making the three-day weekend a challenge for many motorists, it’s a treat for skiers and snowboarders. Although one popular snow destination, Mount Rainier’s Paradise, is closed today.

Crystal Mountain issued a powder alert this morning with 7 inches of fresh snow. The state’s largest ski area has received 19 inches of new snow in the last 48 hours.

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Storms dump plenty of new snow at Mt. Baker Ski Area

Storms dump plenty of new snow at Mt. Baker Ski Area

Storms have dumped so much new snow at Mt. Baker Ski Area since Jan. 13 - a total of 57 inches as of the afternoon of Wednesday, Jan. 18 - that the ski area is saying it has the deepest snow base in North America.

It also is issuing a deep snow warning, telling skiers and snowboarders to ride with a partner and to keep the partner in sight at all times.

And ski area officials are telling people to keep an eye out for tree wells, which are holes that form around the base of trees. Skiers or snowboarders who fall head-first into them can suffocate if they can't get out.
Nordic means skiing variety

Nordic means skiing variety

Think skiing across a tranquil backcountry meadow. Think steep and deep powder stashes in hidden places around ski areas.

Think silky groomed skating lanes or tracks at a Nordic lodge.

The choices in Nordic skiing are wide open depending on what style of skiing you want to pursue.
Nordic means skiing variety

Nordic means skiing variety

Think skiing across a tranquil backcountry meadow. Think steep and deep powder stashes in hidden places around ski areas.

Think silky groomed skating lanes or tracks at a Nordic lodge.

The choices in Nordic skiing are wide open depending on what style of skiing you want to pursue.
'I've got him! And he's alive!' Rainier rescue has a happy ending

'I've got him! And he's alive!' Rainier rescue has a happy ending

Blaine Horner looked behind big rocks and under hundreds of trees Monday on Mount Rainier, hoping to find a miracle but knowing full well he was more likely to find an unhappy ending. Suddenly, he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.
Snow at Mt. Baker Ski Area exceeds 800 inches, beats average

Snow at Mt. Baker Ski Area exceeds 800 inches, beats average

Mt. Baker Ski Area east of Glacier recorded 27 inches of snow in April, making the total snowfall for the season 804 inches, or 15 percent more than average.

The large snowfall amount in 2011-12 is usually attributed to La Niña, a climate pattern associated with more precipitation than normal in the Pacific Northwest.

This was the second consecutive La Niña winter. In 2010-11, the ski area reported 857 inches of snow, well above the average of 701 inches.

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