MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day: 0930 Saturday

 

The Snapshot:  Round five starts today with more snow, wind and fluctuating temperatures.

 

The Science: Two strong winter storms are bearing down on the PNW starting today.  Radar has the leading edge of the first front entering South Puget Sound this morning.  It should reach the Central Cascade Crest around noon today.   The second stronger system arrives around mid day tomorrow.  This is a triple points frontal system (warm front, cold front, occluded) therefore, expect temperature risings and falling, strong winds and heavy precipitation for the next 24-48hrs. 

 

4-7day Long Range:   The snow machine continues through the middle of next week.

 

Precipitation: Water by 4am =.5-.75  Snow = 5-8 24hr total inches of water ending at noon tomorrow =  .75 - 1    24hr total inches of snow ending at noon tomorrow = 7-12   Trend and Timing: Snow should begin to arrive early this afternoon and intensify over night.  Strong westerly convergence flow could enhance snow during the early morning hours.  There will be short break tomorrow morning with heavy snow expected tomorrow night into Monday.

Base Temp and Freezing levels:  Low: 22    High: 34 Freezing level:  4500’     2000’   Trends and Timing Freezing levels, will once again, spike up to 5000’ with the passing of the front later today or this evening.  A cold front will quickly follow dropping temperatures tonight.

Winds (mph) Base: 0-10 E shifting W Ridge Top: 5-15 E shifting W    Trend and Timing: East flow will be quickly taken over by strong westerly flow with passing of the front.  A high wind advisory with ridge top gust above 50mph will be possible during the early morning hours.   Winds will diminish and shift SW tomorrow.