December 18, 2013

MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST


Time and Day: 0100 Wednesday

The Snapshot: Unfortunately, the main bulk of today’s moisture tracked south of Stevens Pass.  Snow will taper off today with dropping temperatures.  Tomorrow will be cold and dry.  Then things get interesting.

 

The Science:  The cold front has moved into eastern Washington; thus the precipitation will dry up in the next few hours and cold air will move in from the north.  Tomorrow will be an uneventful transitional day before the next system prepares to arrive.    


Storm details: A strong warm front is expected to hit the coast early Friday morning.  Models currently have enough cold air remaining to keep freezing’s levels just below 4000’.  If this holds true, snow accumulations by Saturday morning could between 1 and 2’. 


4-7day Long Range:  The warm air mass is expected to move east during the weekend.  Thus, a potential rain event cannot be ruled out on Saturday/ Sunday.  Strong westerly flow will keep the chance of precipitation in the forecast through most of next week.    


 
Precipitation:
 
Water by 4am = .10  Snow equivalent = trace
 
Total inches of water by noon tomorrow = <.25
Total inches of snow by noon tomorrow =0-2
 
Trends and Timing:
 
The chance of light snow showers will decrease as the day progresses.  Tomorrow will be dry.  Snow could begin to fall around midnight tomorrow but the main event isn’t expected until Friday morning.
 
 
 
 
Base Temp and Freezing levels: 
                                     
Low: 14   High: 24
Freezing level:  3500’       1500’
 
Trend and Timing:
 
Freezing levels will continue their descent through the night.
 
 
 
 
Winds (mph)
 
Base:  0-5 N
Ridge Top: 5-10 NNE
 
Trend and Timing:
 
Winds will shift northerly today with a return to SW flow aloft tomorrow night and Friday.

 

 

 

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