Forecast: Excellent week for major indoor sports events

Figure skaters and visitors can expect more dazzle on the indoor ice next week than outside.

Weather forecasters predict a dreary winter phase with mostly cloudy skies and a small chance of snow late next week. The one exception to the gray forecast is a partly sunny day expected Monday.

Throughout the week, highs are forecast to run in the low to mid-30s with overnight lows in the mid-20s, allowing the three to four inches of snow on the ground to linger.

Local officials say they hope the only slipping that occurs is inside the official skating venues, and not on sidewalks in the downtown area.The Clean Team crew fielded by the Downtown Spokane Partnership is scheduled to work for seven straight days making sure curbs and crosswalks are clear of snow and slush, said Marla Oleniacz, marketing director for the partnership.

Figure skating shuttle stops are being set up downtown, and at least four will be equipped with canopies, she said.

Oleniacz said property owners are responsible for clearing ice and snow from their sidewalks, and the downtown partnership is trying to remind them to take care of any obstructions.

Pathways through Riverfront Park should be open for walkers since they are routinely cleared of snow and ice.

Scott Egger, Spokane streets director, said his crews will continue using liquid de-icer on downtown streets and focus on making sure shuttle routes downtown remain clear.

“We’re trying to work with everybody to put on the best face possible for figure skaters,” he said.