A mild weather pattern replaced last week’s cold with warmer temperatures and a rainy Monday, putting a temporary hold on snowmaking at area resorts while whittling away at vulnerable bases.

Resorts west of D.C. expect temperatures to drop this evening, with rain changing over to snow flurries. Temperatures throughout the week are forecast to remain relatively mild, with highs reaching the mid-50’s and lows hovering around the freezing mark.

Mitchel Hyman went skiing at Wisp Resort over the weekend, and checked in with good conditions:

    “Scott, I skied at Wisp this past Saturday (Dec. 4th) and had a suprisingly good time. They had one of their black diamond slopes (Squirrel Cage) fully open plus some easy terrain including their bunny slope. Conditions were perfect, it was overcast and maybe a high in the low fifties, which kept the snow nice and soft but not slushy (perfect for me since as a telemarker I can’t handle ice too well). Better yet, there were no crowds, no lift lines and the ticket was only $20. A great way to start the season. “

Meanwhile, Hugh, from Bowie, Md. provides an update on Blue Knob:

    “Closed for weekdays this week, will reopen Friday (12/10) 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. They had a good amount of snow on the one open tail, Upper Mambo to Mid-Peak Station. There were few customers and lots of employees to help. You could get a real workout if you don’t mind a beginner run. It would be the perfect time to introduce a new skier to skiing - no lines, soft snow (spring conditions), cheap prices and lots of friendly fun. Snowboarders are building jumps off to the side and catching some good air. Enjoy the soft snow while it lasts, eastern hardpack (ice) will be back soon enough all over.”

Wisp remains open with a base depth of 10-28 inches and springlike conditions. The resort is operating from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

Some resorts have chosen to temporary close until conditions improve. Pennsylvania’s Seven Springs will be closed through the week. If the base survives through the end of the week, the resort may reopen this weekend.

In West Virginia, Canaan Valley remains open with 4 slopes and trails. The resort is reporting a wet granular surface with a base depth of 18-50 inches. Snowshoe Mountain Resort is expecting rain to change over to snow later this evening; 13 trails are currently open with a 33-57 inch base and a loose granular surface.

Wintergreen remains open (day skiing only) with two trails. Surface conditions on a 12-26 inch base are wet granular.