December 11, 2014

MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

0700 Thursday:

The Snapshot:  While the mountains remain relatively quiet, our friends to the west are cleaning up and restoring power after one of the strongest storms of the year – and another one on the way.  A special note of interest; yesterday was the warmest December day on record at Sea-tac.    Rain showers with mix snow above 4500’ today, a drying trend begins tomorrow.

The Science:  A strong low-pressure cell will track north along the coast today bringing another round of heavy precipitation and wind to Western Washington.  This system will spare the Cascades again as it skirts along the western edge of the state.  Cooler air aloft will mix with this system and drop freezing levels to around 4500’ – so expect some white stuff on the upper mountain today with mostly rain at Pass level.  High-pressure begins to build tomorrow turning the weather cool and dry for the weekend.

4-7day Long Range:  The Cascade Mountains will remain mostly dry through the first part of next week.   Some storms are beginning to develop starting on Wednesday; this has potential to bring some snow by the end of the week.

Precipitation ending at 4am:

Today’s 24hr Water = .25   Snow = 1-2”

Tomorrow’s 24hr Water= .10  Snow = trace 

Trend and Timing:
Intermittent showers will continue through the night.  A drying trend begins after 7am tomorrow morning.


24hr temperature ending at 4am tomorrow: 
Low: 32   High: 40
Freezing level: +-5000

Freezing Level Trends and Timing
Freezing levels will slowly fall to 5000’ today and then continue to descend to 4000’ tomorrow.

 
24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4am tomorrow:
Base:  5-10 ESE
Ridge Top: 5-15 ESE  

Trend and Timing:
Some gusty ridge top winds (easterly) will be possible as this storm passes to the west.   Winds shift westerly tomorrow.




JM

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0800 Start Thurs Jan 22nd, no ABS