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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News AP Entertainment Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Distinctly Northwest Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Holiday Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend December 12, 2006 Snow could reach valley floor Friday Mount Ashland might receive a foot Thursday night if a storm system comes in as expected Skiers and snowboarders hoping to hit the slopes at Mount Ashland soon may have reason for optimism. Forecasters are predicting the Rogue Valley's recent series of warm, windy rain showers will morph into more white stuff to build up the snowpack as temperatures begin to drop by midweek. The snow may reach the valley floor by Friday. Snow is expected on Thursday above 5,000 feet, just as a big storm is predicted to arrive, says Mike Johnson, meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Medford. "It's not impossible that (Mount Ashland) could get at least a foot of snow up there on Thursday night," said Johnson. "It looks pretty good." The ski area received 1 inch of new snow Sunday night and there were reports of both rain and snow showers Monday. Advertisement Monday's warm wet front brought wind-driven afternoon showers in the valley that tapered off after dropping .29 of an inch of rain in Medford. The storm was accompanied by sustained wind, with gusts of up to 25 mph. Another weak system of showers was anticipated for tonight, he said. But the whole week looks "pretty active," said Johnson, with the stronger system arriving Thursday night. "That one is going to get cooler and the snow levels are going to drop," said Johnson. "There's a good chance of snow in Ashland and even into Medford Friday morning. It looks like we're going to have a really cool wintery weekend." Snowpack at Mount Ashland is currently listed between 19 and 23 inches. The ski resort usually needs about 3 feet of snow to open. If the weather cooperates, the earliest opening day would be Friday. Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com