NORTH BEND, Wash. — This week, western Washington could experience both heavy rain and mountain snow starting Sunday, with snow chances increasing at the ski resorts toward the end of the week.
Currently, light snow sits scattered across yellowing grass at the base of Summit at Snoqualmie. Even though the ski resort has yet to open, one mother decided not to wait for this week's storm to let her children frolic in the white stuff.
"Although it isn't much," said mother Paola Godoy in Spanish, "I wanted to bring my children to see the snow."
The weather is expected to stay very active all week long.
Even at the base of Snoqualmie, more snow could accumulate by the end of the week.
For reference, Summit at Snoqualmie's staff has it posted on their website that they "could open as soon as mid-November," adding, “Each year is different and entirely dependent on natural snowfall and depth."
It's families like the Godoys that mountain town businesses are hoping to attract, such as businesses like South Fork, a restaurant in North Bend.
"It’s been slowing down a little bit for the winter, that’s why we’re excited about the snow," said Alex Campo, an employee at South Fork. The restaurant's slogan is "Eat, Drink, and Gather."
The business slow down, he suspects, is because of school starting again. But he said he also believes that more families will return in high numbers once the snow starts piling up at the Summit.
"With us being only 2 years old, we’re still getting new customers who are just now hearing us about us, so we’re still spreading," said Campo.
"If there’s a ton of snow this winter, what could that mean for your business?" we asked.
"A ton of skiers and snowboarders, 100%.”
"How does that make you feel?" we asked.
"Excited," he replied.