MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day: 1100 Friday

The Snapshot:  Balmy out there at 8f sun and no wind.  Partly sunny, cold and dry through Sunday morning.  

The Science:  Cold air east of the Cascades will continue to influence the weather pattern for the next few days with constant east/offshore flow.  Most of the energy of the approaching systems will track along the southern portion of the state and thus keep Stevens dry through Sunday. The first of a series of storms arrives on Sunday with measurable snow likely to start the week.  

4-7day Long Range: Sunday will mark the beginning of an actual storm cycle. Several storms expected to move through the region throughout the week. Freezing levels will return to what seems to be the new normal of 4000’ -5000’.  So yes, rain, freezing rain and snow can all be expected.   The week trends cooler as NW flow develops.     

Precipitation: Water by 4am = 0 Snow = 0 24hr total inches of water ending at noon tomorrow = 0 24hr total inches of snow ending at noon tomorrow =0   Trend and Timing: No precipitation expected through Sunday morning.

Base Temp and Freezing levels:  Low:  8   High: 16   Freezing level: +-1000’   Trends and Timing East flow will keep surface temperature low through tomorrow.  Freezing levels are on the rise along the western slopes and will eventually erode the cold air trapped in the eastern basin.

Winds (mph) Base: 0-10 E Ridge Top: 5-15 E   Trend and Timing: Winds will shift back to easterly today and strengthen over night.  East flow will continue to move through the Pass through early Sunday morning.