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June, 2025

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Is PNW snow really that bad?

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7-11_Slurpee
Posts: 1143 - Karma: 1,568
I may have the option to take a job near Tacoma WA, and I want to know if the snow quality in the PNW is really that bad. Is it really "Sierra Cement" or is that something just said by snow connoisseurs in the Rockies? I live in the Midwest now and powder is few and far between, but when we do have it, I feel like it is pretty light. Can I get a non biased opinion on how it really is?
12 years ago
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GANDALF
Posts: 6315 - Karma: 6,708
its pretty shitty dude. here we call it "Cascade Concrete".

and who would have thought....its pouring rain right now!
12 years ago
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
Having skied both UT and WA snow extensively, here's my $0.02:

Interior snow is dryer, and in terms of powdery goodness during turns, it is nicer. However, I much prefer PNW snow for a couple reasons.

First, PNW snow is more dense and provides a much better base underfoot. Unlike interior snowpack, you aren't constantly questioning whether a landing has enough coverage. If its white, it's right; assessing a landing is only a matter of inclination/dodging bomb holes and trees, whereas with interior snow you're constantly looking for clues hoping that you won't be impaled on jagged rocks anytime your hit a cliff larger than 10 ft. Second, denser snow is nicer provides more cushion in landings. Instead of punching through dry dust to the rocks, you have some wet snow underneath to fall onto.

The hype revolving around dry powder in UT is largely based on old farts who only make turns and never send big airs. Also, the difference in snow quality just for turning is horrendously exaggerated for some reason. The only people complaining about PNW snow being "heavy" are tourists who suck at skiing.

In my mind the PNW has the best skiing in North America aside from Alaska and Jackson Hole, both of which are so damn gnarly that it often takes away from the fun.
12 years ago
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GANDALF
Posts: 6315 - Karma: 6,708
Quiet, you.
12 years ago
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sagesnow
Posts: 3116 - Karma: 1,594
I moved to the east for two years, in order to ski. i'll leave it at that.
12 years ago
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p-fo
Posts: 9372 - Karma: 6,156
Under authority granted me by WSTCC Section 2, I hereby sentence you to life in Kansas with Scott.
12 years ago
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vandersteeze
Posts: 2650 - Karma: 1,511
You are also excommunicated from the Inspired church and cannot receive any blessing from Jah for this most egregious offence
12 years ago
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vandersteeze
Posts: 2650 - Karma: 1,511
Not p-fo
12 years ago
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
Just trying to dilute the hippy stink in here. Zero fucks given.
12 years ago
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vandersteeze
Posts: 2650 - Karma: 1,511
FROM THE POWER VESTED IN ME BURN IT DOWN WHORE OF BABYLON TANNER HALL RASTAFARI 666 I CURSE THAT YOUR GLOVES SOAK THROUGH AND FREEZE ON EVERY POWDERDAY UNTIL YOU SPEND AN ENTIRE SEASON IN WISCONSIN





JAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH
12 years ago
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7-11_Slurpee
Posts: 1143 - Karma: 1,568
Well, if I learned anything, it's that the Washington regional has the weirdest vibe I've ever seen.
12 years ago
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
WA regional is vanilla sex-with-the-lights-out-in-missionary-position compared to AK regionals. That place gives me the heeby jeebies.
12 years ago
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El.
Posts: 221 - Karma: 845
The snow around here is good, but when snow falls in the late season, thats when it is to be avoided. The snow is just fine for most of the season. I once went on a 12" day in late march though, and that was truly cement.
12 years ago
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Bachto
Posts: 400 - Karma: 954
Dead. Sig'd

And as long as you avoid snocompton which is notorious for shitty snow you should be fine. Places with higher altitudes like baker and crystal have better snow. the PNW is known for how wet it is and so is the snow. But we do have mountains that have some of the largest snowpack in north america *cough* baker *cough* *cough*
12 years ago
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Mama.
Posts: 3066 - Karma: 2,607
You miss it here, don't lie.
12 years ago
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
I never said I didn't.
12 years ago
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Mama.
Posts: 3066 - Karma: 2,607
JUST CHECKING
12 years ago
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bakedpow
Posts: 8770 - Karma: 10,468
mmmm vanilla
12 years ago
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Mama.
Posts: 3066 - Karma: 2,607
Z
12 years ago
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rach
Posts: 917 - Karma: 507
oh you hush

PNW makes great skiers. If you can ski well here everyday of the year, you can ski well anywhere.
But ya gotta do your squats.
12 years ago
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artrud
Posts: 598 - Karma: 1,471
12 years ago
5 0
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lIllI
Posts: 1255 - Karma: 1,986
What you should really be concerned about is the quality of life you'll find living in Seattle's appendix.
12 years ago
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RudyGarmisch
Posts: 25444 - Karma: 13,856
YOU SHOULD MOVE HERE. WE'RE ALL REALLY NICE. REAL NICE AND TOTALLY NORMAL.
12 years ago
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Mama.
Posts: 3066 - Karma: 2,607
Nice, yes. Normal, no.
12 years ago
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Byron_tha_gr8
Posts: 4573 - Karma: 14,304
Yes and no. It all depends on the elevation. Schweitzer, White Pass, Bachelor and even timberline get a lot less rain and the wet snow isn't as wet. Snoqualmie is low and as such gets shit on by rain and the heaviest snow i've ever tried to ski. Idk about Baker and Stevens, which are kind of in the middle, But from my skiing trips you have a higher chance of brick snow the lower you go, but no where is truly safe.

Either way skiing the heaviest brick snow beats icy groomers.
12 years ago
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JakeSalvador
Posts: 2741 - Karma: 1,309
I think that you would have to go to a genuine source instead of ns...there's trolls in here saying the snow is good..
12 years ago
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smoke_powder
Posts: 23 - Karma: 21
Check out the Blue's.  As others have posted, there are no guarantees, but typically the snow over around the southeastern part of WA is typically as dry as any in the region.  Obviously there are numerous factors at any point in time of the season, but with the second highest base elevation in the state and a uniquely positioned mountain-face, it's definitely worth checking out Bluewood.
12 years ago
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Mama.
Posts: 3066 - Karma: 2,607
I do. They're terrible. I cant wait to get out of here.
12 years ago
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,906
Quoting for emphasis so this doesn't get overlooked. It's spot on.
12 years ago
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