MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day:  0630 Tuesday

The Snapshot:  SURPRISE!  The snow that was expected to stay to the south of Stevens Pass, had other plans.  5” of snow.  We will take it.  22⁰ f and fresh pow– It should be good sliding. 

The snow is expected to drift south this morning with Stevens Pass trending dry for the next few days.  More snow is expected on Friday/Saturday.   

The Science:  This morning’s radar has the bulk of moisture now heading into the southeast region of the state.  There are a few intermittent showers left falling at Stevens Pass with another inch possible as it slowly tapers off.

Dry, cool NE flow is beginning to stream in as the low-pressure cell treks SE into the intermountain west.   Offshore (east flow) winds are expected to strengthen over the next few days.  We will return to the previous forecast of cold and dry weather developing over the North-Central Cascades.   

The Long Range:   The next period of interests will be Friday as a developing low-pressure system brings the next round of moisture to the region.   Models differ in their opinion of the weekend's weather, so stay tunes as they come to an agreement.    In the mean time enjoy the fresh snow.

Precipitation Ending at 4am: Today 24hr water =  .10 Snow = 1-2 Tomorrow’s 24hr water = 0 snow = 0 Trend and Timing: Snow showers end around sun up with dry conditions developing for the remainder of the day.

24hr temperature ending at 4 am tomorrow:  Low: 14    High: 24 Freezing level:  -1000’ Trend and Timing:    A bit of daytime warming is expected with freezing levels falling below 1000’ overnight.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4 am tomorrow: Base: 0-10 E Ridge Top: 5-20 NE gusty Trend and Timing: Gusty easterly (offshore) winds will develop over the next 24hrs.  4000’ winds should be fairly light with ridge top and downslope (west) winds strengthening.

jM