SPOT WEATHER FORECAST

11/6/2009 Weather Discussion: Snow should taper to showers today before another pulse of moisture pushes through the mountains tomorrow. Long-term models show a weak high-pressure ridge trying to build on Sunday. This will produce a short period of dry weather on Sunday before the next frontal band approaches the PNW on Monday. Cool NW flow is expected to continue through much of next week. Has the making of a really good base. 24 hour forecast starting at noon on Friday Precipitation .25 -.5 in. Water 4-6 in. Snow Temperatures Low 28 High 34 Cooler upper mountain Winds 0-10 SW gusty tapering TRENDS AND TIMING Precipitation: Should reach our .75” of water by noon today. The steady snow fall should start a showery pattern this afternoon before the next band of precipitation passes through the mountains early tomorrow morning. Freezing levels: Freezing levels will fluctuate between 4 and 5000’ for the next 24 hours. Freezing levels are expected to inch up by Sunday as the high pressure briefly builds. A reminder is that snow line is not the same as the freezing levels. The snow line can be as much as 1000’ below freezing levels. This depends on how much cold air is in the upper atmosphere. In this case there is plenty of cold air aloft to keep most of our precipitation in the frozen state. Winds: WSW winds will continue to be blustery but not a huge factor. Winds should remain westerly with a slight SW bend to them through the weekend. jdm