MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

0930 Wednesday:

The Snapshot: Light snow showers today and tomorrow.  Snow Friday and Saturday; Sorry, but snow changes to rain on Sunday then back to snow by Monday.    

The Science:  This morning’s radar has light snow falling on Stevens, this trend is expected to continue through tomorrow.  A more organized frontal system will approach the mountains Thursday night with wet snow possible.   Freezing levels will rise to 4500’ with east flow, so, hopefully, most of the moisture will be snow. Storm totals are currently 3-5” snow with .5” of water from 4pm Thursday through 10am Friday.   A weak high-pressure ridge will bring a break in the precipitation Friday night.      

4-7day Long Range:  The weekend storm:  A vigorous storm is expected to reach the mountains Saturday morning with heavy precipitation, wind and rising freezing levels.   Snow will begin mid- morning on Saturday; the warm front will hit late Saturday night raising freezing levels to above 5000’.  Heavy rain (2-4”) is expected to start late Saturday night and last through Sunday morning – rain changes back to snow Sunday afternoon/evening.  There is still uncertainty about how much snow will fall before and after the temperature spike.   Things begin to get interesting on Monday as a cut off low forms and tracks through the region.  Cold NW flow follows the low on Monday - this will warrant watching for additional snow to start the Holiday week.    

Precipitation ending at 4am: Today’s 24hr Water = lt .25  Snow =1-3 Tomorrow’s 24hr Water= .25   Snow = 2-4 Trend and Timing: Light snow showers will continue through early Friday morning.

24hr temperature ending at 4am tomorrow:  Low: 24   High: 32 Freezing level: +-4000’ Freezing Level Trends and Timing Freezing levels will rise to 4000’ and then to 4500’ on Friday.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4am tomorrow: Base: 0-5 E Ridge Top: 0-10 ESE   Trend and Timing: Light east flow will remain at the surface while ridge top winds shift SE.  Winds shift W on Friday.

JM