Powderhounds hitting the slopes of the Cascade Mountains have been carving fresh tracks for most of this past week, but things are likely to change in the coming days.

Snow-base depths continued to build, with all alpine areas gaining anywhere from 1 to 16 inches of snow in the past 24 hours, adding to the 15 to 30 inches that fell last weekend.

Mount Baker has a base depth of 194 inches covering Heather Meadows, and the upper elevation at the Pan Dome has topped 244 inches. Even lower elevation areas like The Summit at Snoqualmie has a base depth of 123 inches, and Stevens Pass to the north is at 128 inches.

Snow remains in the forecast until Friday, then a rise in the freezing level this weekend could bring rain to some lower elevation areas.

The good news is the snow level will drop again by Monday, bringing more snow through Wednesday.

There are plenty of activities in the days ahead whether you ski, snowboard or just want to enjoy a day on the snow-covered hillsides:

The White Pass Ski Area Winter Carnival is Saturday and Sunday, with a 2,500 square foot snow castle that includes tunnels, slides and even a tubing hill.

Base area events and the castle are free and open to the public.

There will also be a Fireworks and Torchlight Parade on Saturday night with games, races and clinics to benefit the Children's Miracle Network.

The White Pass Kids Clinic offers skiing or snowboarding for ages 5 to 12, with lunch, snacks and lift tickets included. Dates are March 10-11 and March 24-25. For details, visit http://skiwhitepass.com.

The Mount Hood Meadows Ski Resort is hosting the Oregon Cancer Ski Out Fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Five-member teams compete for prizes in a two-day ski/snowboard event, raising money for hospice, cancer research, education and prevention programs. All ages and abilities are invited to participate. For details, visit www.cancerskiout.org.

March 10 from 3-5 p.m. is the final free Meadows After Dark Rail Jam Series at the Shipyard Park. The resort is offering $2,400 in cash prizes and giveaways. Participants must register between noon and 2 p.m. For details on both, visit www.skihood.com.

The Crystal Mountain Resort Junior Freeskiing Tour Stop is Saturday and Sunday with boys and girls 17 and under competing.

The Marmot Crystal Ball event is Saturday. For details, visit www.crystalmountainresort.com.

The Stevens Pass Resort Hope on the Slopes is Saturday and Sunday. The 24-hour ski and snowboard event benefits the American Cancer Society. Teams or individuals raise donations and pledges in the all-night event. For details, visit www.ridestevenspass.com.

The Summit at Snoqualmie B.A.R.K. Backcountry Ball is 6 p.m. Saturday at Alpental Lodge, with proceeds benefiting the Alpental Backcountry Avalanche Rescue K-9s BARK. For details, visit www.summitatsnoqualmie.com.

The two-day Roxy All-Star Snow Camp is this weekend for women and girls 13 and older at Whistler-Blackcomb Resort in British Columbia. Additional clinics are March 17-18 and April 14-15, and the teen camp is March 24-25. They're open for any level of skier or snowboarder with options of learning park, pipe, freestyle and big mountain riding. The women's camp is $219 and junior camp is $199. Lift tickets, rental equipment, and lodging are not included. For details, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

The Fernie Alpine Resort located in the southeast corner of British Columbia is celebrating its 50th anniversary this month with special events, and discounted rates for lodging and lift tickets. For details, visit www.skifernie.com.

Other upcoming slopeside activities:

• Mount Rainier National Park offers daily snowshoe walks on weekends through March 25. The walks are offered at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up at the Henry M. Jackson Visitor Center information desk at Paradise beginning one hour before the start time.

Snowshoe walks cover approximately 1.5 miles, and last up to two hours. Snowshoes are provided, or visitors may use their own. A donation of $4 per person is requested. Participants must be at least 8 years old and should wear sturdy boots and dress in layers. Organized groups of 13 to 25 can reserve a snowshoe walk in advance. Group snowshoe walks begin at 10:30 a.m. For details, call 360-569-6575 or www.visitrainier.com.

• Mount Bachelor Resort near Bend, Ore., is offering a Kids Stay and Ski For Free Package that starts at $40. Available for kids under age 18 during the winter season. For details, visit www.mtbachelor.com.

• Red Mountain Resort in Rossland, B.C., is offering a Spring Break Special where kids 12 and under can ski for free with every adult day ticket purchased. For details, visitwww.redresort.com or call 877-969-SNOW.

• The Sun Valley Resort in Idaho has created new ski and snowboard trail adventures for kids and adults of all skill levels. For details, visit www.sunvalley.com.

Mark Yuasa: 206-464-8780 or myuasa@seattletimes.com