A major winter storm hit the Cascades November 13-14 and dumped a foot of snow at 6,000 feet on Mount Hood in 24 hours.

That’s on the low end of the one-to-two feet of snow originally forecast. Still, the accumulation came as welcome news since the snow base at 6,000 feet on Mount Hood was pretty much non-existent in early November. Mt. Hood Meadows reported 12 inches in 24 hours, Timberline measured nine inches, and Skibowl got four inches.

Original forecasts called for snow from Eugene to Portland to Hood River, but those warnings proved excessive, as little snow fell in Portland (although school was of course cancelled). That’s too bad, because for a while on Wednesday night there was a flurry of speculation as to whether enough snow would accumulate for another Stumptown Birkie ski race through the Pearl District. That event will have to wait for a real urban snow day.

The seven-day forecast is calling for clear skies this weekend on the mountain, rain early next week, and possibly some more snow late next week. For the weekend, Buttercup is open at Meadows; Palmer is open Timberline.

As for the overall seasonal snow prediction, your guess is probably as good as the weatherman’s.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of preseason events going on this weekend as the preseason waiting-and-hoping-for-snow game continues.

The Portland SkiFever show at the Expo Center is happening Friday through Sunday with indoor freestyle shows, drinks and tons of gear on sale.

The Pray for Snow party in Govy is happening Saturday night at Charlie’s.

The Portland evo grand opening party is also happening Saturday night.

And the Northwest Ski Club Council’s Ski Fair is scheduled for next Monday night at the Portland Holiday Inn.

Last modified: November 13, 2014