Snow Patrol

NS=new snow; PO=powder; PP=packed powder; HP=hard-packed snow; HB=hard base; GR=granular; FG=frozen granular; CO=corn snow; BC=breakable crust; UC=unbreakable crust; W=wet; IC=icy condition; BS=bare spots; DC=dangerous condition; CL=trail or slope closed.

NUMERALS REPRESENT INCHES OF SNOW

Despite occasional snow shortages, the skiing outlook across the nation remains most favorable. A long spring season is forecast for the East

FAR WEST: RENO, NEV.: Base is now 25-55 HP, and NS would be welcome to refurbish the surface cover. Last weekend saw the season's largest crowd and first waiting line—5 to 15 minutes.

SQUAW VALLEY, CALIF.: 36-84 HP. Watch for IC below Tower 20. Some CO and GR on chair lift and Flying Saucer slopes. Lodge is again sold out for the upcoming weekend.

MT. BALDY, CALIF.: Base is 0-20 HP and IC, with increasing BS on upper slopes. Surfaces improve as sun softens base during the day. Wanted: a foot of NS.

SNOW VALLEY, CALIF.: Base is 12-20 and skiing has rated poor to fair.

NORTHWEST: SNOQUALMIE PASS, WASH.: No NS but base is 74 and skiing is good. Recent temp. ranges: 6� to 15�.

MT. BAKER, WASH.: 2-6 dry surface on 124 fast, settled old base. Austin Pass has a tricky ice base. All trails open and there is night skiing on Peanut Hill.

GROUSE MT., BRITISH COLUMBIA: Upper areas have 5 PO on 92 HB, with 3 PP on 68 HB for lower. Some IC on trails. New Blueberry Bowl open, with J bar lift now operating.