More snow on Hurricane Ridge, but will road be open?

Published 12:01 am Friday, December 28, 2007

Mother Nature has dumped more fresh powder on top of the snowpack at Hurricane Ridge – but can you get up there to enjoy it with those new skis and snowboards?

High winds and white-out conditions buffeted the Ridge on Thursday, closing the Ridge road before noon.

Unless there’s more wind and snow, the 18-mile, two-lane Ridge road is supposed to be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.

But before you load up your car (and don’t forget the chains, blankets, shovel and emergency kit), check the 24-hour Olympic National Park Road and Weather Info Line – 360-565-3131 – to make sure weather hasn’t shut everything down.

The best way to head up to the Ridge’s limited parking is by ride-sharing and carpooling (cost: $15 per vehicle, or $30 for annual park pass good for a year after the purchase date).

Snow tires are usually required on the road.

Chains were required Thursday.

There is no snow bus this season.