GEORGE KENT ’16

A harsh recoil this year after last year’s stellar ski season. Unprecedented low snow levels this year have made for a slow season on the slopes. Mud could be seen peeking through the snow all winter at popular ski spots of Crystal Mountain and Stevens Pass, making for dicey stopping at the ends of ski runs. Snoqualmie, at a lower elevation has been affected even more, and has been largely closed with a few sporadic openings in the deep season.

The problem with the snow wasn’t the rain, it was the temperature. Levels often rose above to the 30’s and 40’s during the day at many popular spots, making for melted snow and rain. Overnight freezes often led to ice, and there wasn’t much new snow to cover it up. Freshman Quinn Floyd, who participated is Prep’s ski bus to Crystal this year commented “the ski bus was just dandy, but the snow was flakey at best.”

The lack of stellar weather has made for a short season, and slopes that would have been open through February and into the spring months are already slowing to a halt. One seeming haven from the mediocrity is Mt. Baker, which has recently experienced some sizable snowfall. But with a three hour drive from Seattle, Baker isn’t ideal for Prep skiers.

Bad humors run rampant among ski buffs this year. Many blame the strange weather on global warming and climate change. It’s not for sure, but it sure seems like a likely culprit. Whatever the reason is up to interpretation. With such bad luck, it’s important to look at the big picture. Washington has some of the best and most consistent snow levels in the world. With any luck, this will all be over soon. There’s no time left to redeem this season, but there’s always next year.