PORT ANGELES — As the beginner and intermediate rope tows at Hurricane Ridge opened Sunday, snowboarders and skiers flocked to Hurricane Ridge.
Tubing is expected to start next weekend, according to Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area officials.
The slopes at Hurricane Ridge had 13 inches of new snow, totalling 55 inches.
The road will be open again Friday, weather permitting.
While snow enthusiasts had to drive into the mountains to play in the snow Sunday, there’s a chance the snow will come to them Monday.
The National Weather Service is predicting about 4 inches of snow at sea level in the Port Angeles and Sequim areas Monday evening, with a little more snow higher in the hills, said Josh Smith, a NWS meteorologist in Seattle.
The NWS issued Sunday a winter storm watch for the lowlands Monday afternoon through late Monday night.
There could be snow showers from 4 a.m. Monday until noon, with warmer temperatures bringing rain by the afternoon.
Snow levels will likely stay at about 500 feet during the morning,
An Arctic front traveling south through Bellingham is expected to hit the Port Angeles area Monday evening, producing snow showers at sea level through late Monday night.
“Snow levels are going to be low enough you’ll get a decent amount in the lowlands,” he said.
Smith said the NWS isn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary for the mountains and for Hurricane Ridge.
“We’re not expecting a mountain storm or anything like that,” he said. “We’re more focused on the lowlands.”
Smith said there is just over a 50 percent chance it could snow and recommended people prepare as the area transitions into colder weather.
“People should be aware this is all part of a transition,” he said. “Prepare for colder conditions through Wednesday as well.”
Snow is on the forecast for Wednesday evening into Thursday, but the NWS has a lot of uncertainty at this point, he said, adding that it’s too early to tell for sure.
“We’ll be watching it over the next few days,” he said.
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@ peninsuladailynews.com.
Snowboarders flocked to Hurricane Ridge on Sunday. (Jesse Major/Peninsula Daily News)
