MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day:  0600 Friday

The Snapshot:  Cooler, a bit windy and snowy today.  Snow diminishes overnight with a dry and warming trend beginning tomorrow.

The Science:  The cold front that swung through earlier this morning will bring cooler temperatures and snow to Stevens Pass today.   Strong unstable westerly flow will produce good orographic (convergence zone) snow with freezing levels dropping too around 2500’.  If the convergence zone is well aimed, Stevens Pass could see up to a foot of snow in the next 24hrs.   Snow diminishes to showers overnight as pressure gradients weaken and the barometer begins to rise.  

The Long Range:  High pressure will move in over the PNW on Sunday; this will bring dry, warm and clear weather to the Cascade Mountains through the middle of next week.  Surface temperatures could hit 40 degrees with the aid of the sun on Tuesday. 

Precipitation Ending at 4am: Today 24hr water = .75 -1 Snow = 8-12 Tomorrow’s 24hr water = .25 snow = 1-3 Trend and Timing: Moderate to heavy snow starting early this afternoon and diminishing overnight.   Snow tapers off tomorrow with Sunday trending dry.

24hr temperature ending at 4 am tomorrow:  Low:  22   High: 32 Freezing level: 4000’ – 2500’ Trend and Timing:    Freezing levels will fall today with a warming trend beginning tomorrow.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4 am tomorrow: Base:  5-10 W Ridge Top: 10-20 W  gusty Trend and Timing: Westerly flow will strengthen today with ridge top winds + 20 possible.  Wind gusts could exceed 40mph at times.

jM