Hurricane Ridge in Olympic National Park continues to get its most significant blanket of snow of the season so far.

The road south from Port Angeles was opened at noon today after a morning closure that park officials said was necessary to transport snow-grooming equipment. They plan to have the road open Saturday and Sunday, weather permitting, although lifts won’t be operating.

Indeed, it appears that the weather might permit snow aficionados access to the mile-high playground this weekend: The National Weather Service says snow will taper off this afternoon and stay light through the weekend. http://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sew&wwa=winter%20weather%20advisory

Olympic National Park reported 8-10 inches of new snow this morning atop 68 inches of pack, and an additional 10 inches by this evening or Saturday.

Always phone the park’s recorded hotline, 360-565-3131, for the latest information, including Hurricane Ridge Road conditions, before setting out. Remember that tire chains are required past Heart o’ the Hills entrance station regardless of snow and ice conditions.

Also: http://www.nps.gov/olym/planyourvisit/hurricane-ridge-current-conditions.htm