Winter storm leaves fresh snow in the mountains, northern counties

The latest winter storm through Wednesday left fresh snow in the mountains and northern counties, while the Spokane and Coeur d’Alene areas were struck by a combination of snow, freezing rain and ice that turned to slush.

Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park reported 4 inches of fresh snow on Wednesday, while Lookout Pass had 5 inches.

Mt. Spokane’s lodge reported a temperature of 34 on Wednesday, but powder skiing.

The 49 Degrees North ski area near Chewelah reported 6 inches of fresh snow on the summit on Wednesday and 4 inches at the lodge. That ski area has nearly 7 feet of snow at the summit.

The National Weather Service said that an additional 2 to 6 inches of snow was possible by Thursday morning across the mountains and northern areas.

A winter storm warning was in effect through early Thursday in areas to the north of Spokane and Coeur d’Alene.

Outlying areas of Spokane County had significant amounts of ice on roadways and crews were trying to get them cleared.

A flood advisory was in effect through early Friday for Spokane, the Palouse, parts of North Idaho and the eastern Columbia Basin.

Drivers are cautioned to watch for standing water, especially near low spots, culverts, ditches and small creeks.

Ice could back up creeks and streams, causing them to spill over their banks.

Spokane could see a high of 42 on Thursday, followed by highs in the middle 30s on Friday through Sunday.

Cooler weather and a chance of snow is expected starting on Sunday. A drier period is expected early next week as highs drop back to the upper 20s.

Through Tuesday, Spokane has seen 33.9 inches of snow compared with an average through Jan. 17 of 29.5 inches.