Current conditions unavailable
Skiers and snowboarders finally hit the slopes of the White Pass Ski Area this past weekend, as the East Lewis County ski resort opened to the public after unseasonably warm December rains postponed the ski season’s opening at the beginning of the month.
“Back on the mountain where we belong. Opening Day was one for the books, filled with fresh turns, familiar faces and that unmistakable feeling of being home again,” White Pass Ski Area posted on Facebook. “None of it happens without an incredible crew, the White Pass family, and everyone who showed up, pitched in and shared the stoke. Deeply grateful for the work, the energy and the community that made day one so memorable. Here’s to many more days ahead.”
According to White Pass Ski Area’s website, the resort is now open daily from 8:45 a.m. to 4 p.m.; however, the Couloir Express chairlift on the west side of the ski area is still not operating.
“Running limited operation. Justin and the crew report that the groomed surface is
coming out great this morning,” the snow report on White Pass Ski Area’s website stated on Monday, Dec. 22. “We plan to run Great White, Far East, Big Carpet, Basin and 4 The Birds (new Chair 4 Quad).”
Six inches of snow had fallen over the past 36 hours on Dec. 22, the snow report added, with the base depth listed as variable. Skiers and snowboarders were cautioned that early season conditions are still creating some hazards on the pass, and some ski runs are still closed.
“Please note that bare spots and areas of standing water exist. There are rocks and other obstacles at or just below the surface,” the snow report stated. “Please ski and ride with care. Obey all closures for your safety.”
Thankfully for skiers and snowboarders, more snow is in the forecast according to the National Weather Service — which is predicting a 30% to 60% chance of snow on Monday, an 80% to 40% chance of heavy snow Tuesday, a 90% to 50% chance of snow on Christmas Eve and a 70% chance on Christmas as of Monday.
To view the National Weather Service’s forecast for White Pass, visit https://tinyurl.com/5n7hhbsv.
For more information, check on the snow report on the ski resort’s website at https://skiwhitepass.com/the-mountain/snow-report. Lift tickets, including for Christmas Day, can be purchased at https://estore.skiwhitepass.com/.
White Pass Ski Area implements precautionary measures following positive E. coli water test
Following recent heavy rainfall and localized flooding, Lewis County is working with White Pass Ski Area and the Washington State Department of Health after routine testing identified E. coli bacteria in the ski area’s water system.
No illnesses have been reported, according to a recent news release. Follow-p testing is underway, and officials expect levels will return to normal.
“White Pass conducts regular water testing, and this is the first time we have experienced a result like this,” White Pass General Manager Rikki Cooper said. “Based on current conditions, it appears that significant rainfall, ground saturation and flooding caused this temporary issue. We are taking appropriate precautions and expect to return to normal operations soon.”
As a precaution, and until testing confirms the absence of bacteria, the following measures are in effect at White Pass Ski Area:
E. coli is a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal and other infections. Anyone experiencing symptoms, such as diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, should seek medical care as appropriate.
To report a suspected waterborne illness associated with a Lewis County source, call 360-740-1223 or 360-740-2747.
Lewis County thanks White Pass Ski Area for its prompt response and cooperation, the news release stated.
