WEST SEATTLE SNOW: Saturday morning updates, photos

| West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

(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, we*************@***il.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.)

WS Sledder February 13, 2021 (7:31 am)

Lots of irresponsible drivers already. Sending cops and fire to preventable collisions is a huge wast of tax dollars. Slow it down or stay off the roads

Mellow Kitty February 13, 2021 (8:16 am)

YES! Slow down!! Too many close calls near WSHS already. Be safe out there neighbors ❤️
bb7 February 13, 2021 (12:36 pm)

If you cannot control a vehicle then you should not be out on the road. If you can control a vehicle just fine, then you can go normal speeds in the snow without worrying. We just need better drivers in Seattle.
- Eddie February 13, 2021 (1:50 pm)
  
  You can control a vehicle….until you can’t. Stay off the roads if you don’t NEED to go out. Don’t be a yahoo.

Randy February 13, 2021 (7:38 am)

I am thankful for the snow. I wrote this poem.< span style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;font-size: 13.2px">We see all the ads
A pretty one sales goods to usThen we obey and buy
Marketing has a corner
The emotions become king
Discontentment comes in
But if we have food and clothingWe will be content with that
If we keep on going forwardOur provision will be metDo plan but remember thisBut if we have food and clothing
We will be content with that
I have tripped and fall
The society curse in me
But I must remind myself
But if we have food and clothingWe will be content with thatLet us slow downAnd bow our thoughts
Be thankful for dinner and socks

Sunflower February 13, 2021 (6:38 pm)

‘Let us slow down And bow our thoughtsBe thankful for dinner and socks’

Nice Randy, thanks for sharing,

Would love to see more poetry here :)

Wsres February 13, 2021 (7:39 am)

Stay off the roads! It is sledding day!

momosmom February 13, 2021 (11:27 am)

Our neighborhood is a “U” shape I thought it might be wise to put something up at the top of each road stating “sledders on roadway” please honk gently all the way when coming down the road.Might help???

Luke February 13, 2021 (7:45 am)

The different shades of blue on the SDOT live map are very confusing. I understand the purpose, but they’re so close that it’s hard to tell them apart. Why not red, yellow, and green? Or any other 3 colors that aren’t almost identical.

WGA February 13, 2021 (11:54 am)

I agree about color choices on maps. However, I’m red-green color blind and some shades are very hard to distinguish as well.I’m always wondering about what they teach graphics students. It’s more complicated than just “complimentary” colors.
- A11y February 13, 2021 (2:22 pm)
  
  And this is why accessibility is so important! Color should never be the only visual way of communicating information.
  - Trudy February 13, 2021 (3:27 pm)
    
    Yes! Maybe different patterns to. Dots for one, criss cross lines in another. Got someone sending out an email to the commission for people with disabilities. I did not click on the links. Were you referring to the SDOT snow plow map or the King County one?

Chris February 13, 2021 (8:08 am)

We opened the door to a drift of about a foot & a foot plus on our patio. We are watching a neighbor’s smaller car get buried in drifting. Lots of snow drifting with the blowing snow. Staying home is the safe plan right now. Looks like walking is even wild with the blowing snow. Time to be safe in more ways than one.

wlcg06 February 13, 2021 (8:26 am)

WSB please post some updates on scheduled COVID testing and vaccinations at the WS locations. I have not found anything online yet and havent received a text message that my appt is canneled today. Thanks!

WSB February 13, 2021 (8:33 am)

We mentioned in our coverage last night that the city was planning to keep the West Seattle testing site open. Where do you have a vaccination appointment? We’ve been checking daily for news of public clinics in West Seattle…
- Mellow Kitty February 13, 2021 (8:36 am)
  
  Here’s the info from King County health: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/testing.aspx
  - WSB February 13, 2021 (8:44 am)
    
    That’s for testing sites operated by the county. The one in West Seattle is operated by the city. And the county’s vaccination clinics are all outside West Seattle.
Mellow Kitty February 13, 2021 (8:34 am)

I think all COVID vaccine clinics are closed today.
- wlcg06 February 13, 2021 (8:58 am)
  
  I have a testing appointment at 10am, at Thistle street. Sorry for the confusion. Not vaccination. The King county page does not mention WS.
  - WSB February 13, 2021 (9:05 am)
    
    The city site in West Seattle is open. Hope you can safely get there, and wishing you good health.

Graciano February 13, 2021 (8:43 am)

LOL!!!! Oh Mavis you’re having way too much fun with those short little Corgi legs! We don’t own a dog just a sour puss cat :) but I have read to check between your dogs foot pads for frozen snow/ice when out playing as Mavis is, can be very hurtful to them. Mrs. Graciano here

waikikigirl February 13, 2021 (9:00 am)

Can’t help myself!https://youtu.be/mN7LW0Y00kE

Let it snow! February 13, 2021 (9:04 am)

Seaview side roads are impassible. One lane recently plowed on 48th. Graham and California passible and , yes, drivers going at normal speeds making it dangerous for walkers. Big cheers to Morgan Junction business strip including Starbucks for the awesomely cleared sidewalks

Wilbur Cobb February 13, 2021 (9:07 am)

Only experienced drivers should be out in this stuff. What is this, Michigan? Maybe kids can go out later and shovel neighbor’s drive ways for some scrilla or just for fun and/or to be good neighbors.

Mongo February 13, 2021 (10:08 am)

Good advice. Wife has an upcoming medical procedure, so needed Covid test today, on First Hill. We grew up in Midwest, so know how to deal with snowy road (and have AWD vehicle). With that as context, roads are certainly in good enough shape for experienced snow drivers.
- west sea neighbor February 13, 2021 (11:01 am)
  
  I lived in the midwest for many years (Ohio and MI) as well as western New York state (lake effect snow!). Driving in snow experience aside, a major difference between much of the midwest and this area is that Seattle is a city built across several steep hills, which greatly complicates driving in snow. The experience helps, but isn’t as much use on steep, icy hills, where physics is likely to win out.
  - Kimberly Valadez February 13, 2021 (8:18 pm)
    
    I wholeheartedly agree. Im from Chicago and Denver. Those cities are on a straight flat grid system….even with my experience driving in snow most of my adult life….today was treacherous conditions. Those who dont HAVE to go out shouldnt go out. It took me an hour to drive to Swedish ER even with AWD
- Morgan February 13, 2021 (1:42 pm)
  
  Hey was her COVID test for Virginia Mason? I’ve got a pre-op test downtown at their drive through site tomorrow morning and am hoping they’ll be open. How were the downtown streets?

Alki Resident February 13, 2021 (9:44 am)

Snow drifts make it hard to measure accurately. My guess is 10 inches in Upper Alki.

waikikigirl February 13, 2021 (9:44 am)

To our bird experts: will the Robins,Hummingbirds and Starlings (right now that I’ve seen a lot of recently) in our neighborhood/yard be OK thru all of this snow? Robins are hunkering in, in our Palm Trees and the Hummers are still feeding on their feeders, yes I know we were to put them away… :(

Linda February 13, 2021 (10:34 am)

I saw an article last night that hummingbird feeders may be okay since they are territorial and don’t flock together. Their feeders are far less likely to spread salmonella. The author pointed out in this weather, they really need the supplemental food from the feeders to get through this cold snap. The author had already treated several birds who needed to be warmed up. Just be aware it is cold enough to freeze the sugar water. I’ve been bringing mine in after dark and putting them back out around 6:45 a.m. so they are out when the birds come out of their nightly torpor. I also have a spare feeder I’m rotating out when the ones outside freeze up.
- waikikigirl February 13, 2021 (11:05 am)
  
  Thank you Linda for the info! I washed and made fresh syrup for them this morning and wrapped the glass with triple thick paper towels hoping it would keep it from freezing today. We also bring in the feeders at night but forgot to last night.Now for the Robins…hope they stay warm.
- Birdie February 13, 2021 (11:28 am)
  
  & you can duct tape a hand warmer to the bottom during the day to keep it from freezing!
Julia February 13, 2021 (1:06 pm)

I wrap my hummingbird feeder in a string of Christmas lights (plugged in) which keeps it from freezing.
- waikikigirl February 13, 2021 (3:16 pm)
  
  Thank you all for all the good ideas, my hummers appreciate them! ;>)

ej February 13, 2021 (10:00 am)

Just read on Twitter that Seattle Parks has opened public golf courses for sledding! Be safe all and have fun!

Tito February 13, 2021 (10:25 am)

Fauntleroy between Morgan and Alaska junctions is a mess. Doesn’t look like a single plow has been through. Saw 3 vehicles stuck/spun out/wrong way at the Cali/Faunt intersection by Thriftway, including a van with chains on its tires that was being dug out.

BJG February 13, 2021 (10:26 am)

Better check around the house. Just found a north side 4 ft snow drift against the house obstructing the exhaust outlet from the gas appliances. Fortunately the heat had carved a small melted space and furnace was still working and we weren’t getting poisoned. Now is a good time to survey your property. Weird drifts are happening.

waikikigirl February 13, 2021 (11:07 am)

OOH that is very good advice thank you, thank you BJG!

anonyme February 13, 2021 (10:30 am)

Mavis, the canine snow plow!

Shelby February 13, 2021 (10:31 am)

Hi! Just letting everyone know that Admiral Safeway is open! Some staff live farther away, so please be patient with us – there may be lines and by evening, some of us may have worked a very long day. We have no shovels, we have no de-icer nor rock salt. We have plenty of bread, milk, firewood, and food in general. We will be open normal hours today, so until 1 am.

j February 13, 2021 (11:53 am)

Hi Shelby Thank you so much for letting folks know your open, stay safe :-)

Sunflower February 13, 2021 (10:56 am)

Aw corgis and ducks and guitarists in the snow 💛

Love the photos and seeing people and animals out enjoying the snow magic :)

CarDriver February 13, 2021 (11:05 am)

Was in Admiral Safeway a couple of hours ago. It was mostly deserted.

Liberty February 13, 2021 (11:18 am)

Hello! New to Highpoint community! Moved in earlier this year. Is this normal this time of year? ❄️ ❄️

BJG February 13, 2021 (12:11 pm)

It’s normal to have a little snow in a week or two of Seattle winters. Sometimes it happens into March. This snow is deeper and lighter than usual. Beware of the long melt and refreezing phase and the icy streets. I’ve been here since the 40’s for some major blizzards. So far this isn’t one. Welcome.
N February 13, 2021 (12:23 pm)

No, quite rare.
Rachel February 13, 2021 (12:25 pm)

Yup, February has been a good bet the past few years for snow ❄️
Lb February 13, 2021 (12:45 pm)

I would say we get a good snow like this every other year.
Lizzy February 13, 2021 (1:00 pm)

Every couple of years we get snow like this. Last big storm was in ‘19, I think. Lasted close to a week.
BlairJ February 13, 2021 (1:16 pm)

Not every year. But if we get a big snow, it is often in February.

Bill February 13, 2021 (11:24 am)

Can echo the comments about irresponsible drivers. I just walked from Lincoln Park to Morgan and back. Not many vehicles out – and I understand some people have need to be driving – but most seemed to be out thrill-seeking. Watched one pickup truck speed down Fauntleroy, rev his engine and accelerate by a family trying to cross to the park. Somebody else drove over the sidewalk and onto the (snow-covered) grass in front of the park. Another in a small car accelerated into the southbound bend in the road near the 76 station and careened up against the curb. Added risk… there are a lot of people walking (or skiing) in the street since most sidewalks haven’t bee cleared. Be smart. Be safe.

KM February 13, 2021 (12:20 pm)

Sounds like a normal day observing drivers to me.

Plf February 13, 2021 (11:41 am)

can anyone confirm if the first ave bridge is closed.have a shift at Swedish this afternoon

Sunny February 13, 2021 (1:25 pm)

I haven’t heard anything, but likewise have to get to work. The roads are not looking encouraging.

Mj February 13, 2021 (11:44 am)

Please shovel the sidewalks abutting your residence and businesses, it’s required by the Seattle Municipal Code.

C February 13, 2021 (1:07 pm)

Never thought I’d be so happy the city tore up our sidewalks last week as part of the Delridge project. 🤣
Lamont February 13, 2021 (1:16 pm)

Businesses may not be open and nobody will be driving in to them. Residents may not even own a show shovel. Even if they do own a show shovel this much snow is a lot of hard work. If they’re elderly shoveling may not happen unless a neighbor has recovered from doing their own property (or has a pile of kids they can turn loose on shoveling the whole block to wear them out). You may need to just wait until it melts. This is Seattle, the way we deal with snow here is to just stay home and wait it out, it won’t last long.(I remembered to buy a shovel back in October finally, but I’m inside now eating soup and recovering before going out for round #2 — if you have a schedule where all the show needs to be shoveled by you’re just gonna have to wait)
- Trickycoolj February 13, 2021 (1:42 pm)
  
  Enterprising kids/teens in High Point are knocking on doors to shovel for folks. Sadly for them I inherited a 30 year old snow shovel from my parents’ brief stint in the Midwest. We’re cleaning our tiny townhouse width section of the block but doesn’t do much when the other 10 townhouses on the block. Glad I grabbed a tub of ice melt on clearance at Westwood target two summers ago.

flimflam February 13, 2021 (12:08 pm)

in addition to driving carefully (seems obvious but…) get all of the built up snow off of your vehicle before driving around, its a potential hazard to other drivers and very simple to do.

REBEKAH BAKER LASALA February 13, 2021 (12:18 pm)

This is the time when as an East Coaster who lived in New Hampshire and Washington D.C., I sit back and watch all of the people who do not know how to deal with snow here. It is amusing and funny. Kind of like watching Seattle people drive. It is quite beautiful in West Seattle right now. Stay safe and wear your masks and remember to switch them out when they get wet!

Gill February 13, 2021 (12:20 pm)

Just thanks to all for the great photos, updates and safety concerns. Loved the photo of the cat saying: “I think I’ll just stay inside” and the video of the dog having so much fun as well as the ducks. And a skier. Keep them coming!Under “still snowing here” White Center/North Highline skies, Gill & Alex

Michael Ostrogorsky February 13, 2021 (12:43 pm)

Snow Parrot. The snow drift on my deck here on High Point in West #Seattle this Saturday morning is taller than our Hyacinth Macaw #Parrot Princess Tara, tail and all! in West #Seattle this Saturday morning is taller than our Hyacinth Macaw #Parrot Princess Tara, tail and all!

jack February 13, 2021 (1:03 pm)

I’ve got a sneaking suspicion come Sunday night Monday with the rain a lot of storm drains will get clogged and there will be standing water in the usual places.

EL February 13, 2021 (1:26 pm)

Question for you long-time Seattleites who have been following the forecast by the hour: This is my first winter in Seattle. From your experience with how the city handles the roads (clearing/salting) + looking at the forecast (with the light rain coming Sunday evening), do you think the main roads will be mostly clear by Monday? My car is currently snowed in, but I was hoping to run some important errands Monday morning…not sure what to expect. What’s your prediction? Thanks!! :D

trickycoolj February 13, 2021 (1:38 pm)

This has been the best level of road treatment I’ve seen since living in the city since 2003 (Pierce/Thurston county for 20 years before that). So don’t expect much more. When it rains it’s very slick like driving in a slurpee. If it rains a lot expect mud slides. If the temps don’t warm up or hover around freezing expect an ice storm and multi day power outages.
C February 13, 2021 (1:45 pm)

I’d shoot for later in the day on Monday if possible. It’s a little different this year with remote workers, but generally I like to let the morning commute flush things out. If there’s any sun poking out Monday the blacktop will absorb the heat and melt off.
Lamont February 13, 2021 (3:21 pm)

Anything off of the main roads have the potential to be a mess of standing water and flooding due to blocked drains, with water over packed snow/ice. Main roads are likely to just be wet and clear. Sort of depends on your route and where you’re actually going and how much you like to gamble.