MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day: 0730 Monday

The Snapshot:  Lowering temperatures and light snow begins tonight and continues through late tomorrow night.   Clear, cold and dry weather will finish the Holiday week.

The Science:  A slow moving cold front tracking south from the BC interior will bring light snow to Stevens Pass tonight.  Bands of snow will continue until this storm moves south into Oregon late tomorrow night.  Because the center of the low-pressure cell is inland, this system is not picking up very much moisture; therefore only a few inches of snow can be anticipated.

A dry, cold, arctic airmass will be dragged into the region tomorrow night with the coldest temperatures of the year possible.  Freezing levels could hit 500’ with temperatures in the low teens or even single digits possible.

Long Range:  High pressure strengthens on Wednesday setting up a prolonged dry period lasting through the Holiday weekend.  There are signs showing up in the long range models of an active wet weather pattern beginning early to mid next week. 

Precipitation ending at 4 am: Today’s 24hr Water =  .25   Snow =  1-3  Tomorrow’s 24hr Water = < .5  Snow = 2-4  Trend and Timing: Light snow will begin this afternoon and continue through tomorrow.

24hr temperature ending at 4 am tomorrow:  Low: 20  High: 30 Freezing level: +- 3000 Trends and Timing: Temperatures will remain in the mid 20’s through tonight and then fall sharply tomorrow night.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4 am tomorrow: Base: 0-10 W  Ridge Top: 5-10 W shifting E Trend and Timing: Light westerly flow today will shift easterly tomorrow and strengthen.  Strong easterly winds will be possible tomorrow afternoon and evening.

JM