THE PIECES ARE in place for an epic winter holiday for skiers, snowboarders and tubers at Hurricane Ridge, with mountain snow in the immediate forecast and nine straight days of snow-filled activities set to begin Saturday and run through Jan. 3.

Unfortunately, some grinches in government back in the other Washington may throw a wrench into those plans beginning Tuesday.

A potential federal government shutdown looms if a funding deal can’t be reached by Congress and signed by the White House. Previous government shutdowns have shuttered Olympic National Park attractions, including a Kalaloch razor clam dig a couple of years back, and would undoubtedly keep Hurricane Ridge Road and the Ridge itself closed at a most inopportune period.

Let’s hope that foolishness can be averted here at the last minute.

Hurricane Ridge Ski and Snowboard Area posted the following operations update on its Facebook page Wednesday night:

“The POMA [lift] will not be open, we need two more feet of snow. We will have the two rope tows going as well as starting a small terrain park during the week sometime. Tubing will be available every day, remember you must use our tubes only. Ski school will be available with limited spots and private lessons only, [email] skischool@hurricaneridge.com for more info. And who knows, if Santa brings us two feet of snow maybe a POMA for the new year.”

Between 6 and 12 inches of snow is forecast through Saturday, so a big chunk of that two feet could fall quickly.

Those seeking rental equipment for use on the Ridge can check out North By Northwest’s wares. The ski, surf and skate shop at 902 S. Lincoln St., in Port Angeles is opening at 8 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for ski and snowboard rentals.

Reservations are encouraged, and snow sports enthusiasts also can pick up rental equipment the night before, allowing for an earlier shot at beating the crowd up the hill.

Besides inner tubes, no rental equipment is available at the ridge this season.

As always, check road and weather conditions before you head out by calling the Road and Weather Hotline at 360-565-3131 or by following @HRWinter Access on Twitter.

Disabled denied

Disabled steelheaders will not be able to seek exemptions to fish from a boat this season and are instead being pointed toward fishing sites with ADA access by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife, Northwest Sportsman Magazine reported.

Conservation concerns were cited as the reason for the disappointing decision.

The only exemption to the new no fishing from a floating device on coastal rivers rule is for those anglers with a terminal illness, similar to hunting programs that allow for final hunts for those nearing death.

To search for ADA-compliant water access sites, visit tinyurl.com/PDN-WaterAccess.

Lake Leland frigid

Quilcene’s Ward Norden checked in at Lake Leland to take stock of recent fishing activities and check the water temperature on the lake.

“The Lake Leland water temperature is currently 33.5 degrees at the new pier, but fishing has been surprisingly good for anglers using power bait on a sliding sinker rig,” Norden said.

An intense rain storm Monday washed out newly placed gravel at the pier access point, but Norden said a Jefferson County employee got in touch with the Public Works road crew which made the proper fixes, restoring access to all. Good hustle, there.

Let the kids catch them

Catchable trout plants in Sequim’s Carrie Blake Park Water Reclamation Pond are continuing through the efforts of the North Olympic Peninsula chapter of Puget Sound Anglers in conjunction with Fish and Wildlife and the city of Sequim.

Anglers’ member Dave Croonquist wrote in to say the pond was planted last week, additional plants are scheduled over the next few weeks and that fishing has been good with lots of smiles and fun times for the kids.

A reminder that fishing is only available for kids ages 14 and younger according to Sequim city rules. Adults can assist, but the kids need to be the ones landing their own fish.

And the pond has a two-fish limit, the first two fish caught.

Merry Christmas, everybody.

________

Sports reporter Michael Carman can be contacted at 360-406-0674 or mcarman@peninsuladailynews.com.