The latest round of storms off the Pacific Ocean have rivaled any in recent years, so much so that a number of resorts closed temporarily and others had to cut back on skiable terrain.

On Wednesday (Feb. 13), the website for Summit at Snoqualmie in Washington read, “On standby.” I-90 that runs right by the resort on the divide of the Cascade Mountains has been periodically closed – meaning no one can get to the Snoqualmie parking lot.

Snowfall at Snoqualmie was 53 inches in 48 hours, similar to what other Washington resorts are reporting. Crystal Mountain got four feet in two days, forcing patrollers to shut down most of the mountain Tuesday and Wednesday morning because of avalanche danger – even though parking lots were full of hopeful powder hounds.

Mt. Hood Meadows closed down all the upper mountain, but winds have died down so that ski patrol can begin to get more terrain open as the week progresses. Stevens Pass officials have asked that no one go into the backcountry until the snowpack settles. Winds are expected to hamper efforts to open terrain all over the Pacific Northwest.

Farther south in California, the snowfall totals for this series of storms border on the absurd. Forecasting service OpenSnow reports that Mammoth Mountain is expected to get 93 inches(!) in the next 10 days after dealing with 50 inches in the previous five days -- enough already for mountain to announce it would stay open until July 4. Heavenly had 43 inches fall to the slopes in five days, and forecasters expect nearly 60 more inches in the next 10 days.

Around Lake Tahoe, both Sierra-at-Tahoe and Mt. Rose closed for a day to dig out during the last storm cycle. Travelers all over the West should check road conditions as many routes, including interstates, have been closed during these storms.

OpenSnow predicts double-digit snowfall in the next two weeks all over the Sierra, Cascades and northern Rockies.

“There is a LOT of moisture coming, especially on Thursday night,” said OpenSnow's Joel Gratz. “A lot of moisture can mean big snow totals, so there is real potential for actual snow amounts to come in over the forecast."

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The heart of skiing and riding is alive and well at numerous smaller ski areas across the Northeast, where you’ll find shorter lift lines, lower lift ticket prices, and a chance to explore the character of the local’s favorite hill.

You might not expect to find a challenging little ski area nestled into the rocky coast of Maine, but the Camden Snow Bowl offers the best of both worlds for those who can’t decide between a seaside and mountain getaway. Camden is the only ski area in the country that features views of the Atlantic from its lifts and trails. In addition to skiing, the Snow Bowl offers Nordic, fat bike and snowshoe trails as well as a wooden toboggan chute. 

You may have driven right by Whaleback Mountain in Enfield, New Hampshire, right off of I-89 on route to bigger mountains, but Whaleback is worth a stop. It boasts four lifts, 30 trails with a 700-foot vertical, and an authentic New England mountain feel. From beginner runs to advanced glades and steeps, there’s something for the entire family to enjoy. Whaleback is the only night-skiing option in the Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee region and skiing under the stars can’t be beat. With a professionally staffed ski-school, a Pub and Cafe, rental shop, and friendly staff, you’ll find your winter happiness here.

Vermont’s Suicide Six offers a wonderful combination of challenging and beginner terrain, all found near the quintessential Vermont town of Woodstock. Recognized as one of the oldest ski areas in the country, America’s first rope tow, introduced on nearby Gilbert Hill in 1934, inspired the opening of Suicide Six in 1936. Don’t miss the fabulous lunch and apres at Perley’s Pourhouse, with locally crafted beers and menu.

There’s a small but dedicated following at the Catskill’s Plattekill who love its old-school vibe. With 40 percent of the slopes classified as blacks and double-black diamonds, there’s plenty to keep advanced skiers happy, especially on a powder day. 

New Hampshire’s Pats Peak may not be the biggest mountain in the state, but trail count alone doesn’t define the character and reach of this family-owned New England ski area, home to 70 adult race teams and a ski and ride school that lures more than 8,000 school kids and each year. All 28 trails at Pats are lit at night, keeping the fun going well after dark. Pay-One-Price (POP) Saturday Nights gets you lesson tips, lifts, tubing, rentals, entertainment, bonfires and more

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We LOVE this forecast! The SnoCast 2019 Valentine’s Day edition features what we love this week. Give it a read to find out!

Western U.S. & Canada

What’s NOT to love?! Incredible snowfalls have hit the West where they’ll continue into Presidents’ Day Weekend. First, California will get up to another 6 to 7 FEET between Tuesday and Friday (12th-15th) but be careful; high wind and very tough travel will make it difficult to get to the mountain. Give crews a moment to clear the way (or get there and stay)!

The Northwest has been awesome and more cold/snowy weather will prevail Thursday and Friday. Waves of energy keep snowy weather across most of the West. The Rockies will get heaviest snowfalls Friday and Saturday. Eventually, it will dry and clear Sunday-Tuesday. Love goes to Snoqualmie, Mammoth, Mount Hood and Sun Valley.

Eastern U.S. & Canada

This week we love the recent storm Tuesday-Wednesday (12th-13th) that dropped the highest amounts near the Canadian border. Next, a clipper will bring 3-6” of snow to the Great Lakes Thursday, then the Northeast Friday.

Two separate systems may bring snow to the mid-Atlantic this Presidents’ Day Weekend. First, 2-4” snow is possible in West Virginia and Virginia Saturday. Second, 2-5” snow is possible for WV/VA and PA Sunday.

Monday and Tuesday turn colder and sunnier. Heavier snow (possibly a wintry mix) moves in Tuesday night to Wednesday (19th-20th). Love goes to Spirit Mountain, Nordic Mountain, Whiteface and Jay Peak.

Until next week! Thanks to Northern Vermont University – Lyndon meteorology students James Mundy and Francis Tarasiewicz for contributions to this article.

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