Skiers heading up now that all lifts are open on Mt. Hood

Update: Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort reported Friday afternoon that snow is falling at more than an inch an hour and the base-area snowpack grew to 40 inches.

Forecasters predicted six to 10 inches of accumulation Friday night.
 

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GOVERNMENT CAMP, Ore. – Snow began falling across wide areas of the Northwest mountain regions on Friday as a cold, wet storm system moved into the area.

KATU Meteorologist Rhonda Shelby said that areas above 2,000 feet in elevation could expect to see snow Friday while mountain regions could see 8 inches or more of the white stuff.

Heavy rainfall, but no snow, is expected in major cities west of the Cascade Range on Friday.

The new snow will pile up on top of previous snowfalls that should leave most area ski resorts in good shape for the Thanksgiving weekend, which is the traditional opening weekend.

However, early heavy snowfall this year has allowed most resorts on Mt. Hood to open to skiers early.

Areas of Eastern Oregon will also see snowfall but with lighter accumulations. Snowfall is expected to ease off in the mountains late Friday.

Slick conditions on roadways in the eastern part of the state are suspected of causing numerous vehicle crashes, including one involving a church van that left two people dead and 14 people hurt.

Early Friday at Government Camp, KATU News crews on the scene watched as Highway 26 quickly went from bare pavement to snow covered.

Travelers are advised to check conditions if traveling over mountain passes and to pack traction chains, extra food, water and winter clothing, including gloves.

Snow removal crews are on alert throughout the region. Officials also closed Crater Lake’s famous Rim Drive for the rest of the year after snow piled up on the roadway.

That road is not expected to reopen until May or June.

The freezing level in the region is expected to hover around 2,000 feet Friday and then rise to 2,500 feet Saturday. By Sunday, it should be up to about 6,000 feet.

Weather in the Portland area is expected to be rainy for the most part over the next seven days.