Get ready, skiers: A significant dose of snow is on the way for Mount Hood.

The possibility for the heaviest snow rests Friday through Sunday, with up to 8 inches possible each day in Government Camp and more at higher elevations, said National Weather Service meteorologist Matthew Cullen. The snowfall would bring solace to skiers and snowboarders aching for powder amid a season that's offered a mixed bag of Mount Hood conditions.

All told, as the weather service tweeted: "Snow will be measured in feet in the mountains by early next week with the cool, wet pattern looking to stick around for awhile."

That's music to skiers' ears.

The expected wintry onslaught comes as Timberline reports a base of 4 feet at its lodge and urges skiers to stay on groomed trails, Mt. Hood Meadows says there's just over 3 feet at its lower-elevation base and Mt. Hood Skibowl's snow depth tops out at 13 inches. Parts of Hood ski areas -- including Meadows' Heather Canyon and Molly's chairlift at Timberline -- are closed.

Hood hasn't seen the worst of it, however. Mt. Ashland Ski Area and Willamette Pass Resort both remain closed.

Cullen said Hood won't experience a huge one-day event, such as a foot of snow in Government Camp, but will see consistent snow showers Thursday to Sunday. Snow levels will also be as low as 2,000 feet during the weekend, meaning lower foothills could get some snow, he said.

The Oregon Cascades have a snowpack that's well below normal, Cullen said, but there's still time left in the season for the snowpack to increase.

The low snowpack, he said, is not yet a reason for major concern.

-- Jim Ryan

jryan@oregonian.com

503-221-8005; @Jimryan015