SPOT WEATHER FORECAST

3/23/2009 Weather Discussion: A strong NW flow pattern will push several pulses of moisture into the north central Cascades for the first part of the week -this will be a nice snow producer for Stevens Pass. Long-term models show it all coming to an end on Thursday as high pressure temporarily brings dry and more spring like weather to the mountains. Forecast from Monday 4pm to Tuesday 4am Precipitation .25 in. Water 2-5 in. Snow Temperatures Low 28 High 30 Winds 0-5 SW Forecast for Tuesday 4am to 4pm Precipitation .5 in. Water 4-8 in. Snow Temperatures Low 28 High 30 Winds 10-20 gusty TRENDS AND TIMING Precipitation: Light snow should begin this afternoon and then slowly ramp up as convergence conditions develop. Water equivalent storm totals are still calculating out to be 2-4” by the end of Wednesday. My sense is that it will be on the lower end of that, but still a good amount. Freezing levels: Freezing levels will drop below 1000’ today, their lowest mark. Freezing levels will then slowly rise reaching 3000’ by 4am. Temperatures should hold steady through tomorrow before a cold front pushed in from the north on Wednesday. Winds: Winds won’t be much of a factor until the convergence zone develops early tomorrow morning. We can expect strong westerly flow conditions to continue through this storm cycle.