February 12, 2014

MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day: 1000 Wednesday

The Snapshot:  The rain period is over with snow tapering off later today.  More snow expected tonight and tomorrow.   


The Science:  As expected, the warm front passed over the Cascades early this morning, hence the rain period.  The trailing cold front is now approaching and is beginning to lower temperatures and turn the precipitation back to snow. Radar shows a decent amount of moisture pumping up the Skykomish River drainage this morning, thanks to the Puget Sound Convergence Zone.   The next front arrives tonight with another strong front arriving early Friday morning.   

4-7day Long Range:  Winter storms will continue to track through the PNW through the weekend and well into next week.

Precipitation:
Water by 4am = .5  Snow = 3-6”
24hr total inches of water ending at noon tomorrow = .75
24hr total inches of snow ending at noon tomorrow = 5-8”
 
Trend and Timing:
Snow will continue this morning and briefly taper off this afternoon.  Snow returns late tonight and will continue through noon tomorrow.  Another brief dry period is expected tomorrow afternoon before the next front arrives late tomorrow night or early Friday morning.
 
 
Base Temp and Freezing levels: 
Low: 30    High: 34
Freezing level: +-4500    3500’
 
Trends and Timing
Freezing levels will drop to or just below 4500’ today.  Temperatures will hold steady through the night and then slowly fall tomorrow.  
 
 
Winds (mph)
Base: 5-15 WSW
Ridge Top:
 
Trend and Timing:
Strong westerly flow will continue to produce strong winds through tomorrow night.

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