SEATTLE — A warm front was expected to drop light rain Monday in western Washington, with wetter and windier weather forecast in the days ahead across the Northwest.
The National Weather Service in Seattle said the harsher weather will likely begin on Tuesday and last into Thursday. The conditions prompted several ski resorts to set their openings.
Eastern Washington could see light to moderate snowfall in low elevations on Monday night followed by cooler temperatures, rain and snow showers later in the week.
Similar conditions were expected in Oregon. Snow levels were expected to dip Wednesday into mountain passes in the Oregon Cascades.
Wind gusts up to 55 mph were forecast for the Oregon Coast on Monday evening. One to two feet of new snow was expected at Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass on Monday night, the Weather Service said.
Winds will pick up on Tuesday, gusting into the 60 mph range in Western Washington, the Weather Service said. The high wind watch for most of the area remains in effect, it said.
Officials with the Mount Baker and Whistler ski areas announced they were opening Thursday. Fresh snow along with snow-making machines also could allow Crystal Mountain to open this week.
Three inches of snow fell over the weekend at Crystal Mountain, making a 5-inch base at the lodge and more than 6 inches at the top of the mountain.
“There is a warm spot on Tuesday, so we will wait until after then to make a final decision,” Tiana Anderson, marketing manager for Crystal, told KING-TV of Seattle about the possible opening.
Many ski areas in Washington usually don’t open until Thanksgiving or later.
Mount Baker planned to open Thursday after receiving at least 15 inches of new snow as of Sunday, with a 36-inch base at Heather Meadows and 60 inches on top of Pan Dome.
Whistler Mountain in Canada will open Thursday with five lifts running.
