MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day:  9:00 am Wednesday

The Snapshot:  Turning partly cloudy today with a series of heavy rain events starting tomorrow.  Clouds will begin to move in later today in response to the incoming weather systems.  It’s going to be wet for awhile.  

The Science: A large, powerful low-pressure system churning in the Gulf of Alaska will spin several storms through the PNW over the next 5 days or so. These storms are packing a punch with heavy precipitation and high winds for the Cascades Mountains. Freezing levels are expected to be above 5000’ through the weekend, so no snow likely at Stevens Pass.   Storm totals by the end of the weekend could exceed 5” of rain.

The Long Range:  The storms appear to keep right on coming into next week.   Freezing levels will be near seasonal norms (6-8k) through the middle of next week.   Therefore, no significant snow for Stevens in the long range outlook.  

Precipitation Ending at 4 am: Today 24hr water = .25 Snow = 0 Tomorrow’s 24hr water = 1-2”  snow =  0 Trend and Timing: Rain will begin sometime after midnight and increase tomorrow.

24hr temperature ending at 4 am tomorrow:                                        Low:  30   High: 50 Freezing level:  +5000’ Trend and Timing:    Temperatures will peak near 50 today with the aid of the sun.  Freezing levels are on the rise with snow levels being around 6500’ by tomorrow.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4 am tomorrow: Base:  0-5 E SE Ridge Top: 5-10 E SW Trend and Timing: Winds will be easterly and light today.  Strong SW winds will be associated with the approaching storms.

jM