Mountain Weather Forecast

Time and Day: 1045 Saturday

The Snapshot: Mostly clear today, increasing clouds and moderate to heavy snow this afternoon and overnight.

The Science: 13” overnight with cold temperatures has made for continued fantastic skiing at Stevens Pass. Transitory high pressure will cross Washington today, bringing a short-lived break in the action. Warm air aloft from the SW slightly eroded the cool air this morning, causing an 11 degree rise in temperature in one hour.  Strong upper level westerly flow will kick in this afternoon and overnight, renewing orographic snow showers for Stevens Pass. Convergence showers will continue during the day Sunday. Light showers will continue Sunday night and end abruptly Monday morning.

The Long Range: The new Washington State appears to be very cold. After showers end Monday, upper level flow out of the North will bring colder than normal temperatures and dry, sunny days to Stevens Pass. These conditions will persist during most of next week.

Precipitation Ending at 4am: Today 24hr water = .75-1.0   Snow = 10-12” Tomorrow’s 24hr water = .75  Snow = 8” Trend and Timing: Light snow should start up again this afternoon, becoming moderate to heavy after 7pm and continuing through Sunday mid-morning. Moderate showers Sunday night, with precipitation ending Monday morning after 7am.

24hr temperature ending at 4 am tomorrow:                                        Low: 20    High: 25 Freezing level: 2,000’ Trend and Timing:    With the sun coming out, temps should peak in the early afternoon and cool overnight.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4 am tomorrow: Base: Variable 0-5, then West 10-15 Ridge Top: SW 10-15, then West 20-30 Trend and Timing:  Light winds should strengthen as the snow intensifies, becoming gusty overnight and Sunday morning.

DV