11/17/2012 Stevens Pass Mountain Weather Forecast

General Discussion: The first of three progressively stronger storms entered the mountains last night. Light snow will continue today with a brief dry spell tonight. The following stronger front hits tomorrow with heavy snow and rain likely. The snow line will vary between 4000” and 5500’ through all three storms.

Long-term: The third system arrives sometime on Tuesday with more rain and or heavy snow. More storms with similar freezing level issues will affect the PNW for the long holiday weekend.

Snow totals likely below 4500’ (below the top of Hogsback)
By 4pm Sunday = 1-3”
By 4am Monday = 4-6”
By 4pm Monday = 2-4”
Totals 7-13”

24hr Accumulative Precipitation Totals Starting at Noon Today:
“Water by midnight= .10
“Of additional water by 4am= .10
“Of additional water by 12pm= >.10

24hr (12pm-12pm) Inches of Water = .25

24hr (12pm-12pm) Inches of Snow = 1-3

Trend and Timing:
It may be possible to get a few more inches of snow before the day ends. Light snow showers with little accumulation will continue through the night. The next front hits tomorrow afternoon with heavy snow changing to rain through the night.

24hr Base Area Temperatures (F) Starting at Noon Today:
Low: 30 High: 34
Freezing level: +- 4000’

Trend and Timing:
Temperatures have risen to near freezing this morning. Freezing levels will hover near Pass level through the night. Freezing levels will rise to near 5000' tomorrow night.

24hr Winds Speed (mph)/Direction Starting at Noon Today
Base: 0-5 E shifting WSW
Ridge Top: 5 -10 E shifting WSW and strengthening.

Trend and Timing:
The strong SW winds currently hitting the coast will overtake the east flow later this afternoon. Easterly winds will re-establish tomorrow before the next front hits. Gusty SW winds can be expected along the ridge tops tonight. Even though the coast is getting clobbered by high winds, the Pass should be sheltered from any significant winds.