MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

0800 Friday:

The Snapshot:   Congratulations Cindy Jackson for your well deserved retirement.  Thickening clouds this morning with snow this afternoon, partly cloudy with light snow showers through the weekend.

The Science:  The low-pressure systems tracking south along the northwest coast is on schedule to spin a few bands of moisture into the Cascades Mountains today.  Radar has the leading edge of the first front just about to make landfall and should reach the mountains later this afternoon.  Intermittent snow showers with clear periods will be the pattern through the weekend as the coastal storm continues its path south. 

Long Range:  Another inch or two of snow will be possible on Monday; warm, clear spring weather will return during the second half the next week as a strong high-pressure ridge builds over the State.

Precipitation ending at 4am: Today’s 24hr Water = .25   Snow = 1-4  Tomorrow’s 24hr Water = .10  Snow = trace  Trend and Timing: Snow is expected to arrive mid afternoon and then begin to diminish to light showers after midnight tonight.

24hr temperature ending at 4am tomorrow:  Low: 26   High: 38 Freezing level: +-4000 Trends and Timing: Diurnal temperatures swings will continue with daytime temps a few degrees warmer each day.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4am tomorrow: Base: 5-10 W Ridge Top:  5-15 W Trend and Timing: Westerly winds with some gusty periods will continue through tomorrow.

JM