STEVENS PASS MOUNTAIN WEATHER

1/19/2012 Weather


General Discussion: It appears the storm nudge further north than anticipated – we’ll take it. Warm air is currently overriding from the SW which has created quite the inversion (36f top - 12f at the base) -a formula for freezing rain, so keep an eye out for that possibility.

Long-term: Two strong frontal systems will hit the PNW over the weekend. The first will hit tomorrow with the next expected to arrive sometime on Sunday. Both of these storms are packing a punch with lots of moisture, wind, and freezing levels spiking to +4000’. So there is potential to get a mixed bag of rain and snow and or heavy snow. Sporty!

24 hour Forecast Starting at NOON on Thursday

Cumulative Precipitation Totals:
“water by midnight= .25
“of additional water by 4am= .25
24hr total “of water = .5

24hr Snow Total= 4-7

Trend and Timing:
The models have not been very accurate in the precipitation amounts, so confidence is low. With that said snow showers will lighten up through the day with just light snow falling through the night. The next strong frontal system will drive in during the day tomorrow bringing heavy snow and or mixed rain and snow to the Pass by Saturday morning.

Base Area Temperatures (F):
Low: 28 High: 36
Freezing level: 3500’-4500’

Trend and Timing:
Freezing levels are on the rise today and are expected to bounce between 3500’ and 4500’ through this next series of storms. How stubborn the east flow is will determine whether or not the surface temperatures stay at or below freezing.

Winds Speed (mph)/Direction
0-5 E base, 5-15 SSW @ 5000’

Trend and Timing:
Models indicate that light east flow will continue to move through the Pass. Let’s hope this rings true. SSW flow aloft will blow along the upper ridges.