**Washington Ski Report: Where to Find the Best Snowfall**
Avid skiers, take note: Washington’s snow conditions are a mixed bag this week, with the heaviest snowfall concentrated in the North Cascades. The standout area is **Brown Top**, near the renowned Mt. Baker Ski Area, set to receive a whopping **16-17 inches over the next five days**. Though recent snowfall there has been minimal, the solid 44-inch snowpack makes this a premier destination for powder enthusiasts seeking consistent coverage. Another highlight is **Easy Pass**, also in the North Cascades, where a forecast of **9 inches** will bolster an already-impressive 60-inch base. These locations promise fresh powder and excellent skiing conditions for the weekend.
Elsewhere, **Crystal Mountain Resort** and **Paradise (Mt. Rainier)**, two favorite spots for Seattle-based skiers, are holding steady with solid snowpack depths of 55–56 inches. That said, no significant new snow is forecasted beyond a light dusting. For those closer to Stevens Pass, nearby sensors like **Alpine Meadows** report limited recent snowfall (2 inches in the last 24 hours) and no significant accumulation in the days ahead. Still, the 13-inch pack may be enough for a quick outing for locals.
Looking east, areas like **Thunder Basin** in the Methow Valley are eyeing up to **14 inches of new snow** later this week, adding to its 16-inch base. Skiers heading to Mission Ridge may see slightly lower-quality conditions, with nearby sensors like **Park Creek Ridge** expecting just a modest 3-inch boost. Overall, the North Cascades and Mt. Baker areas remain top picks for fresh powder, while southern and eastern ranges are quieter this week. Keep an eye on forecasts and enjoy the slopes safely!
Ski Area | Air Temp (F) | Snowfall | Snowpack | vs Avg | SWE | 24hr Forecast | 72hr Forecast | 120hr Forecast |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
44 | 0 | 25 | +170% | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
24 | -1 | 10 | +114% | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
21 | -2 | 14 | +107% | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
18 | -1 | 15 | +95% | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
30 | -1 | 16 | +88% | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
30 | 0 | 23 | +76% | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
32 | -1 | 21 | +70% | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
32 | -1 | 21 | +70% | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
36 | -1 | 45 | +51% | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
39 | 0 | 24 | +46% | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
44 | -1 | 35 | +38% | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
27 | -1 | 48 | +35% | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
30 | 0 | 26 | -12% | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
21 | -1 | 17 | -14% | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
26 | 0 | 8 | -27% | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
% | 1 | 1 |
Washington state boasts a number of ski resorts that offer a variety of terrain and experiences for skiers and snowboarders. Some of the most popular resorts in the state include Crystal Mountain, Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie Pass, and Mount Baker.
Crystal Mountain, located in the Cascade Range, has an average snowfall of over 450 inches per season and boasts over 2,600 acres of skiable terrain. Stevens Pass, about an hour and a half from Seattle, has an average snowfall of over 450 inches per season and offers 1,125 acres of skiable terrain. Snoqualmie Pass, located close to Seattle, has an average snowfall of over 440 inches per season and offers over 1,200 acres of skiable terrain. Mount Baker, located in the North Cascades, has an average snowfall of over 650 inches per season and boasts over 1,000 acres of skiable terrain.
The snowpacks in Washington can vary greatly depending on the location and elevation of the resort. Generally, the snowpacks are deepest in the Cascade Range and the North Cascades, where the resorts with the highest average snowfall are located.
The best month to visit Washington for skiing typically falls between January and March, when the snowpacks are typically at their peak and the weather is often mild enough for comfortable skiing conditions.