Mount Baker ski report: 80 inches on slopes today, 6 inches last year

MOUNT BAKER - With a  winter storm warning in effect for the Cascades, and more snow on the way,  the Mount Baker ski area currently has the most snow in North America.   As much as 3 feet of new snow is expected fall by the weekend, the National Weather Service reported.

Currently Mount Baker has 80 inches of snow on the ground at Heather Meadows, the Bellingham Herald reported.  At this time last year, Mount Baker only had 6 inches of snow.  The Mt Baker Ski Area did not open for business until December 20th last year, the paper reported.

The good news for skiers comes with a bit of caution.  The Northwest Avalanche Center reported dangerous avalanche conditions for late Thursday and Friday above the treeline (about 7000 to 8000 feet), the Herald reported.