MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day: 0900 Saturday
 
The Snapshot:  The snow machine is not done yet.  Snow will continue to fall in the mountains through at least Tuesday.  Cool easterly flow will keep freezing levels well below 4000’ into the start of the new week.  

 

The Science:   The weak high pressure that formed off of the coast did obstruct the general flow pattern by shifting the jet stream south.  But, a low pressure system developing in the Gulf of Alaska will spin more storms into the Cascade Mountains starting today.  These following systems are not as potent with colder temperatures and light (east) winds, but will produce some measurable snow during the next few days.   

 

4-7day Long Range: The cold arctic air mass dropping into the center of the country will usher in colder air for the next 2-6 days.  This mixed with the low pressure system churning in the Gulf of Alaska will keep the snow flying through at least the middle of next week.

Precipitation: Water by 4am = .5  Snow = 4-8 24hr total inches of water ending at noon tomorrow = .75 24hr total inches of snow ending at noon tomorrow =  6-10   Trend and Timing: Snow will increase tonight and continue through tomorrow.

Base Temp and Freezing levels:  Low: 14   High: 24 Freezing level: 2500’     500’   Trends and Timing Freezing levels will continue to decline during the next few days.  Low temperatures could reach the single digits early Monday morning.

Winds (mph) Base: 0-5 E Ridge Top: 5-10 E   Trend and Timing:  East flow will develop today and remain through the weekend.