STEVENS PASS MOUNTAIN WEATHER

11/21/2011 Weather

General Discussion: Today we will begin to feel the effects of a series of strong weather fronts preparing to hit the PNW. The real show won’t begin until tomorrow with heavy snow and rain expected.

Long-term: Another similar, but slightly cooler event, is expected on Thursday with heavy snow possible. The weekend’s system looks tropical with the famed “Pineapple express” taking shape.

24 hour Forecast Starting at NOON on Monday

Precipitation
“Water: .25-.5 by 4am. Total by noon = 1

“Of Snow: 2-4 by 4am. Total by noon 4-8

Trend and Timing:
Snow showers will lighten up this afternoon before the main front hits early tomorrow morning. Heavy mixed rain and snow below 5000’ is expected after 4am and will continue through the day. Periods of all rain are anticipated as the freezing levels fluctuate between 4500’ and 5500’.

Base Area Temperatures (F):
Low: 30 High: 36

Freezing level: 4000’ 5000’

Trend and Timing:
Freezing levels will rise to 4000’ after 4pm today. Freezing levels will bounce between 4500’ and 5500’ with the passing of imbedded fronts. Freezing levels will hover in this range until mid day on Wednesday when they are expected to fall to 3000’.

Note: Freezing levels are not the same as snow levels. Depending on many factors, the snow level can be equal to, or as low as, a 1000’ below the freezing levels.

Winds Speed/Direction
15-20mph SSW

Trend and Timing:
East flow will eventually get eroded by strong southerly flow. There are 50-70mph winds slamming the Olympic today. We are usually sheltered by SW winds, but with winds speeds so high, it will be interesting to see what we get. In other words, head up on the potential wind.