SPOT WEATHER FORECAST

1/5/2009 Weather Discussion: Snow showers, temperatures near the freezing mark and gusty winds will be on tap today as a strong on shore flow continues over the PNW. Things will then get very interesting as a SW fetch of moisture and warmer air get ready to hit the mountains tomorrow. There is a lot of uncertainty with this complex weather approaching, mainly in the freezing levels. Long-term models show the moisture stream continuing through Thursday. The light at the end of the tunnel is a high pressure ridge developing Friday – This could bring a dry period for the weekend. Forecast from Monday 4pm to Tuesday 4am Precipitation .5 in. Water 4-8” in. Snow Temperatures Low 30 High 32 Winds 10-20 W gusty Forecast for Tuesday 4am to 4pm Precipitation 1-2” in. Water 6-15” in. Snow Temperatures Low 32 High 36 Winds 5-15 SW gusty TRENDS AND TIMING Precipitation: Precipitation totals have been slightly down graded today due to temps and shifting wind pattern – but we can still expect periods of heavy showers pumping through the mountain by our convergence zone friend. Precipitation will increase tomorrow and become heavy mid-day. Best chance of rain or snow/rain mix is sometime after 10am tomorrow. 72 hour water totals could exceed 4”. Snow totals have a wide range do to the fact that it could be rain at 5000’ and below. Freezing levels: We will have to keep a close eye on the freezing levels as they inch up to near or above 5000’ by midday tomorrow. Cold air aloft may save us from a significant rain event above 4000’ but that is a big maybe. Winds: Winds will continue to be troublesome until they shift SW sometime tonight or early tomorrow morning. Pesky winds will stick around until early Thursday.