THE SKI SEASON has been pretty phenomenal up on Hurricane Ridge.
Enough snow has accumulated for the Poma lift to operate for the first time in a number of seasons, and besides the snowfall, the weather also has cooperated with some gorgeous sunny days for skiers, snowboarders and sledders to enjoy.
There have been no reported avalanches up on the nearly mile-high mountain, and snow sports enthusiasts using the Ridge have been kept safe by a number of ski patrol volunteers.
Gary Holmquist, a ski patrol member at Hurricane Ridge since 2008, will discuss avalanche awareness at a fundraiser for the Hurricane Ridge Winter Sports Club on Saturday.
The talk is set for 7 p.m. at the Red Lion Hotel, 221 N. Lincoln St. in Port Angeles.
Holmquist will explain the anatomy of an avalanche and what to look for in order to avoid them.
He has completed a progression of avalanche courses including the National Avalanche School program.
Holmquist also serves as a National Ski Patrol Avalanche and Mountain Travel and Rescue Instructor, teaching courses in these disciplines to various ski patrols in the Cascades.
The suggested donation for his presentation is $5.
Leland fishing
Lake Leland offers year-round fishing opportunity near Quilcene in Jefferson County.
Keeping a watchful eye on the productive lake is Ward Norden, owner of Snapper Tackle Company and a former fishery biologist who lives in Quilcene.
“Lake Leland remains at a water temperature of 36 degrees, so the trout bite remains sluggish,” Norden said.
“Nevertheless, whenever there is a nice day without rain or wind, people are catching a few very nice trout mostly on Power Bait fished just above the bottom.”
Norden said the lake is still drawing visitors who enjoy the relatively placid lake and the views of the nearby Olympic Mountains.
“February is when fishing tactics start to change at the lake with the longer days,” Norden said.
“Anglers with small boats should now begin to concentrate their efforts near the shallow outflow end opposite from the boat launch where water begins to ‘warm’ quite a bit earlier.
“There, the best tactic is to double anchor your boat so it doesn’t move while you still-fish with your bait about a foot above the bottom.”
Fishing conditions and success will improve as the days lengthen and the temperatures begin a slow climb to spring.
Crabbing tips
Norden said crabbing remains pretty good in Hood Canal.
“But you have to put your pots or rings in an area away from sources of fresh water,” Norden said.
“Huge numbers of undersize Dungeness crab will have to be tolerated, but that foretells a bright future for the Canal.”
Boat safety course
The Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 21 Sequim-Port Angeles, will sponsor a boating safety class Saturday, Feb. 13.
“About Boating Safely” takes place at the Port Angeles Fire Department, 102 E. Fifth St., at 9 a.m.
This class qualifies participants for a Washington Boater Education Card.
This card is required for all boaters younger than 60.
The costs is $15 or $20 for a couple.
To register for the class, phone 360-452-1135.
________
Outdoors columnist Michael Carman appears here Thursdays and Fridays. He can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5152 or at mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.