Mount Baker Ski Area announced a short time ago it will begin seven-day-a-week operations on Friday at 9 a.m.

Forecasts for the North Sound are calling for 25-40 inches of new snow at Mount Baker today and Thursday. That is in addition to the existing base of 29 inches. With temperatures expected to remain cold through the weekend, ski area officials moved ahead with plans to open.

At this moment, according to the news release, some of the details are still being worked out. An announcement is expected Thursday afternoon for details such as base area and chairlift operating schedules.