too early for Washington Pass, right?

anyone wanna speculate how much snow is needed at washington pass to make turns possible around the early winter spires? <br><br>been at least a few years since I've managed to get up there before thanksgiving. I figure its too early to go this weekend...but maybe next weekend? <br><br>keeping my fingers cross the highway stays open through turkey day weekend, could be good up there soon.<br><br>

The Rainey Pass SNOTEL station is reporting 19.9 inches of snow and Snow Water Equivalent of 1.7 inches (SWE).<br><br> www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/nwcc/sntl-datarpt....=711&days=7&state=WA


The Paradise SNOTEL station isn't reporting snow depth -- but the SWE there is 4.3 inches.

www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/nwcc/sntl-datarpt....=679&days=7&state=WA

I've had great skiing there when there's been 19 inches at Rainy Pass... when there was 3 feet up higher . I guess it depends where the snow level has been at. You might be able to look at recent telemetry to get a feel on if the snowpack increases a lot with elevation...

I've had great skiing around Rainy and Washington Passes by getting up there as quickly as possible following the first storm at Rainy Pass elevation (which allows accessing the passes along summer trails).  As Phil says, this assumes earlier storms at higher elevations like, say, 6000 feet. <br><br>I'm half-expecting the highway to close before next weekend, especially considering today's torrential rains here in Bellingham. The Mt. Baker Ski Area reports 2 inch/hour snowfall all day.  If I could, I'd try to make it this Sunday.  <br><br>Edit to add: Oops. I see that the highway just closed "temporarily." Here's hoping it reopens next week.