(SNOW LINKS: Metro buses on snow routes … traffic cams … map of what’s been plowed … plowing-priority map … BUSINESS LIST IN MORNING COVERAGE)

(Fauntleroy ferry dock, photographed by Michael Burke)

1:25 PM: The promised “tapering” of the snowfall is happening – much lighter, at least here in Upper Fauntleroy, as we move to pm coverage (here’s the morning report). As we continue, a reminder about driving safely – for many reasons, from treacherous conditions to people walking, sledding, skiing in the street:

(3200 block California SW, photographed by Christopher Boffoli)

We’ve also had a report of a Seattle Fire truck that got stuck, on Dawson east of California.

(Texted photo)

INFO LINKS
Metro – all buses remain on snow routes; no 125
SDOT snow-routes map
SDOT “live” map updating where plows have gone
King County’s “live” map (White Center included)
West Seattle traffic cams
Seattle Public Library curbside services closed today
Seattle Parks snow info
*Businesses’ open/closed announcements that we’ve received are still being updated in today’s first report

It’s a work day for many, regardless of snow – from Susanna Moore of Niederberger Contracting (WSB sponsor), a photo and “Shout out to our hard-working US Postal Service in North Admiral”:

And of course, the SDOT snowplow drivers:

(Photo tweeted by @jana_obscura)

As noted in the link list above, you can use this map to see where they’ve been. … More snow fun, too. This morning we featured videos of ducks and a dog playing in the snow – now, for equal time:

As for humans, many are out sledding and skiing. Tom and Finn did the latter at Lincoln Park:

Another view of Lincoln Park, from John Borba:

2:40 PM: Just announced: Tomorrow’s West Seattle Farmers’ Market is CANCELED. (If you had pre-ordered for pickup via the What’s Good ordering system, WSFM says, your order will be canceled and refunded.)

2:57 PM: First lost/found pet report of the day – remember, we have a year-round page featuring West Seattle lost/found pets – if you’re missing a dog near 35th/Avalon, maybe this one’s yours. … Adding this to the business list in our morning coverage – Admiral Theater is closed today/tonight.

(Near Longfellow Creek – photo by Rebekah LaSala)

3:28 PM: No media briefing today but the city has published a roundup of storm updates from its departments – see it here. One update of note: Seattle Public Utilities says transfer stations have closed for the day. … Another early closure: Whole Foods Market.

4:05 PM: Still lots of people out having fun in the show – above, another reader photo, featuring a wee one in an improvised ride in Arbor Heights. The afternoon forecast update is in – the Winter Storm Warning is now extended until 9 tonight. The forecast calls for a chance of another inch or so tomorrow, but otherwise, the big snow wallop is over.

5:04 PM: Lots of bird photos today – above, a tree full of robins in Seola Beach, photographed by Waikikigirl. We plan a “snowbird” gallery tonight or tomorrow. And just in from Brandon – Softy the snow sea lion:

5:34 PM: Holy Rosary has canceled in-person Mass for tonight and tomorrow but will have video on its Vimeo page. (Reminder, we update 20+ local churches’ online services weekly and include the link in our Sunday morning preview lists. Any local faith institutions who’d like to be in our calendar can email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com.) … Two scenes from Longfellow Creek, first via Twitter:

And via text:

6:15 PM: Late word of online entertainment tonight – the West Seattle High School drama program is presenting “Twilight Zone Radio Dramas” tonight at 7 pm – several link options for watching. Go here.

Speaking of art:

Jeff Jolly says his creation is titled “Patiently Waiting for Summer.” … And, texted from Glenn Way west of The Junction, a simpler statement in snow:

Also creative – rearranged holiday lights, shining a Valentine’s heart under the snow at this Genesee Hill-area home, photographed by Julia Chase:

Yet another round of thanks to everyone who has emailed, texted, tweeted photos since the snow began falling – westseattleblog@gmail.com or 206-293-6302 – any time!

(Alki this evening, photographed by James Tilley)

6:44 PM: The official snowfall total so far today at Sea-Tac Airport, according to the National Weather Service – 8.9 inches. That’s about what we measured here at HQ, and it’s an official record for this calendar date.

7:03 PM: Two road notes – Alice says the signal at 35th/Myrtle is out (no power outage on the map, so it seems to be an isolated problem); texter say.a bus is stuck at Fauntleroy/Alaska.

(SNOW LINKS: Metro buses on snow routes … traffic cams … map of what’s been plowed … plowing-priority map)

(Delridge at Henderson – texted photo)

7:18 AM: Good morning! After 12+ hours of snow, we have at least half a foot – unofficially. The National Weather Service says the snow will continue this morning before tapering off this afternoon. We’ll be covering the weather all day – let us know what it’s like in your part of West Seattle! 206-293-6302 text or voice, westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you.

(Route 128 on California SW – photo by David French)

INFO LINKS
Metro – all buses remain on snow routes; no 125
SDOT snow-routes map
SDOT “live” map updating where plows have gone
King County’s “live” map (White Center included)
West Seattle traffic cams
Seattle Public Library curbside services closed today
Seattle Parks snow info

8:10 AM: Texted from 48th/Hanford, a scene of sheer joy:

That’s Mavis playing in the snow. It’s not all play today – many of your local small businesses are open for those who can get there safely – walking to your nearest coffee shop, for example.

8:54 AM: Barbara G measured 7 inches of snow near The Junction (added: Mark in Admiral has 11″). Still steadily snowing, and breezy. No major problems reported – just challenging conditions for getting around, even with plows on patrol. And as for the non-arterials, forget it – this is SW Edmunds, photo sent by Sonja:

And if you have to travel on Delridge Way, the cones in the next photo – taken near SW Willow – are a reminder, be very careful because all the ongoing paving work and detours may be hard to see under/in the snow:

9:15 AM: Business notes:

*We Sweat Infrared Sauna (WSB sponsor) – update, CLOSED

*Arthur’s – Open, with indoor and outdoor (“for the adventurous,” says proprietor Rebecca, adding, “tons of heaters”) dining.

*Fresh Flours in South Delridge – open until 5 pm

*Mission Cantina (WSB sponsor) – open

*Bebop Waffle Shop – open

*Kid Friendly Footwear – open until 4 pm, lots of kids’ snow gear

*West Seattle Cellars – open today until 6 pm

*Whole Foods Market closed early

*Admiral Theater is closed today/tonight

*The Alley in The Junction is open (5 pm-11 pm)

*Thunder Road Guitars & The Bass Shop (WSB sponsors) are closed today. Still making music, though – TRG proprietor Frank sent this pic:

(Did you see them in Save The Stone Cottage‘s “Karaoke Rock Concert” last night? Watch for our followup.)

9:54 AM: Let’s talk parks! Above, that’s Schmitz Park, and below, Alki Beach, both photographed by Jay Gewin:

Seattle Parks says golf courses including West Seattle are “open for snow play” today, as are athletic fields. Other snow impacts are noted here.

10:39 AM: More pets, as the snow continues falling. Above, via text, Fidel the cat, “deciding to stay in.” (Update: Later, Fidel changed course and headed out after all.) Below – ducks!

Addy Nachtrieb sent that video, and the caption: “Ducks in snow to make your day! Indian Runner Ducks, Mala and Prima, see snow for the first time. You can see more videos of Mala and Prima at @MalaAndPrima on TikTok.” We have received a few bird photos, too, and will plan on a separate “snowbird” gallery as we’ve done in past storms. But for now – bird tracks, sent by Mike:

11:25 AM: How about a road check? The first photo is from Mark Jaroslaw;

Mark reports, ‘Just returned from along the Alki/Harbor/Avalon/Fauntleroy/California/Admiral loop. All roads are now either compacted or scraped and are passable at slow speeds. Markets, gas stations, coffee shops open.” Next, two photos from Beach Drive – first one is from Carol Ann:

Next one is from Creighton, who reports 10-year-old Carson was en route to “First nordic skiing lessons” at Me-Kwa-Mooks.

Need a snow shovel? The West Seattle Tool Library is open and still has some in stock. (Only $1 to rent!) The WSTL says drivers should use the south entrance at Delridge/Oregon today. … Also pertinent to the snow (and adding to the business list above), Kid Friendly Footwear in The Junction (WSB sponsor) has “plenty of waterproof gloves & mittens, cozy socks, jackets + all kinds of new & gently used boots for babies & kids! Open today until 4 pm, sorry, free local delivery temporarily suspended for a few days.”

Thanks for all the photos and info – we’ll be launching afternoon coverage in a bit. (Added – Find it here.)