* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations up to 4 to 8 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 mph. * WHERE...Cascades of Snohomish and Northern King Counties, Cascades of Whatcom and Skagit Counties, Cascades of Pierce and Lewis Counties, and Cascades of Southern King County. * WHEN...Until 4 PM PST this afternoon. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Strong winds could cause tree damage. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow levels will increase later this morning and afternoon to around 6000 feet, which could bring a brief period of freezing rain. Confidence is low for freezing rain, but the potential exists for light accumulations.
White Pass Ski Area is waking up to a crisp 24°F morning on December 18, 2025, with a 29-inch snowpack—below average for this time of year but promising signs are ahead. White Pass Ski Area is located in Washington, United States, and boasts 1,500 skiable acres with 45 runs.
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A significant snowstorm is rolling in, with nearly 30 inches forecast over the next 24 hours and more than 52 inches expected over the next 5 days. The recent snow has freshened up the runs, and with new powder incoming, skiers can expect softer landings and better turns as the week progresses. Despite the current snowpack being around 32% below average, the rapid accumulation could quickly turn conditions from modest to magnificent.
On the heels of early-season challenges, including recent storm damage severing access routes, White Pass is bouncing back strong. Resort teams have been hard at work prepping terrain, and stoke is high with fresh tracks already reported earlier in the week. With increased safety awareness following avalanche concerns near Mt. Rainier, patrollers are closely monitoring conditions. Locals and travelers alike are advised to check road conditions before heading up. As La Niña continues to bless the Northwest, all signs point to a deep and memorable holiday ski week ahead at White Pass.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Pigtail Peak.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at White Pass Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at White Pass Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The White Pass Ski Area is located in the Cascade Range of the state of Washington, United States. The ski resort is situated in the Wenatchee National Forest and is surrounded by several prominent mountain ranges and peaks.
Some of the pertinent mountain ranges and aspects of the White Pass Ski Area include:
1. Cascade Range: The Cascade Range is a major mountain range in North America, extending from British Columbia in Canada to California in the United States. White Pass is located in the southern part of the Cascade Range in Washington.
2. Goat Rocks Wilderness: The White Pass Ski Area is near the Goat Rocks Wilderness, a rugged mountainous area known for its alpine scenery and diverse wildlife.
3. Mount Rainier: The iconic Mount Rainier, a dormant stratovolcano and the highest peak in the Cascade Range, is visible from the White Pass Ski Area. It is a prominent landmark in the region.
4. Norse Peak Wilderness: The Norse Peak Wilderness is another wilderness area near White Pass known for its scenic beauty and opportunities for outdoor recreation, such as hiking and camping.
5. Pacific Crest Trail: The famous Pacific Crest Trail, a long-distance hiking trail that stretches from Mexico to Canada, passes near the White Pass Ski Area. Hikers can access the trail for day hikes or longer backpacking trips.
Overall, the White Pass Ski Area offers stunning mountain views and a variety of terrain for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts to enjoy.
The resort has a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and expert trails, but the best trails are considered to be the Paradise Basin and the Powder Pass. An interesting fact is that White Pass was originally a military training camp during World War II before being converted into a ski resort in 1953. For beginners, the best suggestion is to start on the Couloir Express lift, which provides access to the gentle runs of the Discovery Basin. The High Camp Lodge is the best après-ski bar, offering a cozy atmosphere with good drinks and food.
Lift Count | 5 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 6500 per hour |
Base Elevation | 1372 Meters |
Terrain Park | Yes |
Acreage | 635 Acres |
Established | 1952 |
Run Count | 32 Trails |
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, snow before 1pm, then rain and snow. the rain and snow could be heavy at times. high near 33. southwest wind 11 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 43 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new snow accumulation of 5 to 9 inches possible.
White Pass Ski Area is expected to receive up to 52.5" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Washington’s Cascades are primed for heavy snowfall this week, with Buckinghorse (near Hurricane Ridge) topping the 5-day forecast with 91" expected. Nearby resorts like Hurricane Ridge will likely see significant accumulations. Easy Pass and the surrounding North Cascades corridor—including the closest resort, Mt. Baker—are forecasted for 73–84" of snow, with recent 24-hour snowfall totals at Easy Pass reaching 18". Mt. ... Read more