Skiers' 'Merry March' in store

Snow in the Sierra this time of year often is called the March Miracle.

Last year, snowpacks down to 32 percent of average were partially replenished by a fresh series of March storms. And again this year — after about two months of relatively dry conditions — more snow is expected.

Is it the March Miracle if it happens every year? Can we give it a new title? How about March Madness?

Sorry, that one already is taken.

We'll just bill it as Merry March for the smiles it's putting on the faces of skiers and snowboarders. The season's final month has brightened.

"We're thankful for what we've got. It hasn't been much, but the cold weather this season has kept it from melting," Dodge Ridge spokesman Jeff Hauff said. "It's fantastic what's going on now. We're going to be just fine by this weekend."

The National Weather Service posted a 24-hour winter weather advisory for Tuesday night at 10 o'clock for a storm scheduled to hit the Sierra.

Dodge, which received a bonus 5 inches of snow Sunday — only an inch was expected — soon will add to its 2 feet at the base and about 3 feet at its summit.

The Tuesday night system, and others to follow through about Friday, could produce 16 to 20 inches.

Bear Valley, located off Highway 4 east of Arnold, holds out hope for up to 25 inches during that time. Better still, conditions are expected to improve for a potentially sweet weekend.

That's why it's suddenly become a Merry March.

"Last season, people felt in their mind felt like the season was over because of all the sunny weather, and then we had the March storms," Hauff said. "I remember the skiing in March was some of the best I've seen. This weekend should be great. It could be something that people remember."

Dodge is expected to stay open at least through April 7 (one week after Easter), and maybe even longer depending on demand and weather. Badger Pass, at Yosemite National Park, will close after March 31.

NOTES — Tremendous Tuesdays through March at Bear Valley are hard to beat. Everything costs only $12 — lift tickets, ski and snowboard lessons, pizza, a $12 meal at Ebbetts Pass Grill and 12 percent discounts at Reba Sports. … Discount lift tickets for Dodge always are available at Lucky and Save Mart stores. … If you're seeking season passes for next year at Sierra resorts, purchase now. The prices will get no lower. … Another nice discount at Dodge: Four hours of ski/snowboard instruction and lunch for $45. Visit www.dodgeridge.com. … The Habitat All Mountain Challenge, featuring slalom and giant slalom races among other activities last weekend at Dodge, raised about $6,000 for Habitat for Humanity of Tuolumne County.