You’re staring at the 49 Degrees North mountain webcam at 6:00 AM, trying to squint through the rime ice on the lens. Is that a fresh four inches of dry Okanogan powder, or just a light dusting over a crusty layer of yesterday’s slush? We’ve all been there. Located just outside Chewelah, Washington, 49 Degrees North Mountain Resort is a bit of an anomaly in the Pacific Northwest. It’s tucked away in the Colville National Forest, far enough east to escape the "Cascade Concrete" that plagues the coast, but close enough to the weather patterns that it catches moisture other inland hills miss.
Understanding the 49 north snow report isn't just about reading a number on a screen. It’s about knowing how the weather moves through the Flowery Trail Pass.
Reading Between the Lines of the 49 North Snow Report
Most people look at the "24-hour total" and call it a day. That's a mistake. If you want the actual goods, you need to look at the base depth versus the summit temperature. Because 49 North has a base elevation of 3,923 feet and a summit at 5,774 feet, a three-degree difference in temperature can be the difference between a legendary day in the trees and a soggy mess in the parking lot.
Check the wind. Seriously.
The resort is spread across two main peaks: Chewelah Mountain and Angel Peak. When the wind rips out of the southwest, it scours the top of the Sunrise Basin but dumps all that beautiful, transported snow into the East Basin. If the 49 north snow report mentions high winds but decent totals, skip the groomers on the front side. Head straight for the glades in the East Basin. The trees there act like a giant snow fence, trapping everything the wind kicks off the ridge.
The Mid-Mountain Reality Check
Sometimes the report says it’s 32 degrees at the base. You might think about staying home. Don't.
49 North often experiences temperature inversions where the cold air settles in the valley, and the mid-mountain stays surprisingly crisp. Or, more commonly, the "Chewelah Cloud" hangs over the summit while the base is clear. When you see "variable conditions" on the official update, that’s usually code for "bring your low-light lenses because you won't see your hand in front of your face on Silver Ridge, but the snow is actually decent."
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Why the Snow Quality Here Hits Differently
While mountains like Snoqualmie or Stevens Pass deal with high water content, 49 North gets that "Inland Empire" flavor of snow. It’s drier. It’s fluffier. It doesn't stick to your goggles quite as much. This is largely due to the Orographic Lift caused by the Selkirk Mountains. As moisture moves inland from the Pacific, it hits the Cascades first and drops the heavy stuff. By the time it reaches the 49th parallel in Eastern Washington, it’s chilled out and dried out.
If the 49 north snow report shows a "trace" but the temperature has been hovering around 18 degrees Fahrenheit for two days, that trace is going to feel like silk. Conversely, if they report 6 inches but it’s 34 degrees, expect "mashed potatoes" by noon. The mountain’s northeast-facing slopes help preserve the snowpack longer than at many other regional resorts, especially in the late season when the March sun starts to eat away at the southern exposures.
The Secret of the "Friday Reset"
Here is a bit of local lore that isn't always obvious to the weekend warrior: 49 Degrees North often operates on a mid-week closure schedule early and late in the season. They’ll often be closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
What does this mean for the 49 north snow report?
If it snows four inches on Tuesday and another three on Wednesday, and the resort opens on Thursday or Friday, you aren't just getting three inches of fresh. You’re getting a "reset." The slopes haven't been touched for 48 hours. The grooming team usually focuses on the main arteries like Silver Ridge and Boomtown, leaving the vast majority of the 2,325 acres untouched. That "7-inch" report is actually a deep, settled carpet of untouched bliss. It’s arguably the best value in Washington skiing.
Navigating the Terrain Based on the Totals
- Under 3 inches: Stick to the groomers. The grooming at 49 is world-class, and they can make a light dusting feel like a highway of velvet. Hit "Central Park" or "Saturday Night."
- 4 to 8 inches: It’s time for the East Basin. This is where the North Cliff and Cy’s Glades live. The pitch is just right for this amount of snow.
- 10+ inches: Go to Angel Peak. The terrain is a bit more mellow in spots, which you’ll want because deep days at 49 can be exhausting. The "Mainline" trees are legendary when the snow report hits double digits.
The Infrastructure Factor: It's Not Just the Weather
You have to account for the lifts. 49 North recently installed the Northern Spirit Express, a high-speed quad that changed the game. Before this, you had plenty of time to read the entire 49 north snow report while sitting on a slow double chair. Now, you’re at the top in seven minutes.
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This means the snow gets tracked out faster than it used to.
Ten years ago, you could find fresh lines at 2:00 PM. Now, if the report shows a big dump, you need to be in the parking lot by 8:15 AM. The "Chewelah Locals" are dedicated, and they know exactly where the snow stashes are. If you see the lot filling up with trucks from Idaho and Spokane, the secret is out.
How to Verify the Report Like a Pro
Don't just trust the mountain's website. They want you to come buy a lift ticket. They aren't lying, but they are optimistic.
- NWAC (Northwest Avalanche Center): Even though 49 North isn't as high-risk as the passes, checking the NWAC mountain weather forecast for the "East North" zone gives you the raw data without the marketing fluff.
- SNOTEL Sites: Look up the "Flowery Trail" SNOTEL station. It’s located near the resort and gives you hourly updates on snow water equivalent and air temperature. If SNOTEL shows a spike in water but the resort reports "powder," expect it to be heavy.
- The Chewelah Webcam: If you can see the top of the chairlift clearly, the visibility is good. If it’s a grey wall, grab your yellow or clear lenses.
Common Misconceptions About 49 North Conditions
"It's too far of a drive for a small hill."
First off, it’s the second-largest resort in Washington by acreage. It’s not small. Second, the drive from Spokane is about an hour and fifteen minutes. People often assume because it's "in the desert" (it's not, it's in the mountains), there won't be snow. The reality is that the Colville National Forest is a massive moisture trap.
Another one: "The snow is always icy."
This usually comes from people who show up the day after a rain-on-snow event. Because 49 North is further inland, it doesn't get the "warm cycles" as often as the Cascades. When it gets cold, it stays cold. If the 49 north snow report shows a cold snap following a storm, the snow preserves incredibly well. It’s rarely "icy" in the East Coast sense; it’s just "firm" until the sun hits it.
The Best Time to Check the Report
The most accurate 49 north snow report is usually posted around 6:30 AM PST. This is after the overnight grooming shift has reported back and the mountain ops team has done their first rounds. If you check at 10:00 PM the night before, you’re looking at a forecast, not a report.
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Wait for the morning update.
Look for the phrase "New Snow." This is what has fallen since the previous day’s sweep. If the number is significant, skip breakfast and eat a granola bar in the car. The line for the Northern Spirit quad starts forming early on powder days.
Preparing for Your Trip Based on the Data
Once you’ve parsed the 49 north snow report, your preparation should change.
If it’s a "Bluebird" day (clear skies, no new snow), focus on your edges. Make sure your skis or board are tuned for hardpack. These are the days to explore the long, winding groomers on the back side of the mountain where you can pick up some speed without worrying about hidden obstacles.
If the report says "Overturf," you're in for a treat. This is a local term for when the snow is light enough that you can feel the groomed run underneath, but deep enough to provide that floating sensation. It's the specialty of 49 North.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Visit
- Bookmark the SNOTEL Flowery Trail page. It gives you the "real" temperature at 5,000 feet, which is often very different from the town of Chewelah.
- Download the 49 Degrees North app. They push notifications when the snow report hits a certain threshold (usually 4+ inches).
- Check the wind direction. If it's blowing North/Northeast, stay on the front side. If it's West/Southwest, the East Basin will have the deepest stashes.
- Invest in a "Cloudy Day" lens. The summit of Chewelah Mountain is notorious for "flat light." Being able to see the contours of the snow when the report says "overcast" will save your knees.
- Verify the road conditions. Highway 395 is usually fine, but the Flowery Trail Road up to the resort can get treacherous. Check the WSDOT cameras for the pass before you head up.
Knowing the 49 north snow report is about more than just numbers; it’s about understanding the geography of the Selkirks. When you can read the weather patterns and the terrain together, you’ll stop guessing and start timing your trips perfectly. The mountain is waiting, and whether it’s a day for carving trenches or floating through the pines, being prepared is the only way to ensure you don't waste a single run.