Mountain Weather Forecast

Time and Day: 0715 Saturday

The Snapshot: Sunny and cold today, moderate snow tonight and Sunday at low snow levels.

The Science: High pressure has moved in behind yesterday’s departing trough, pushing the last of the snow flurries east. Most of Saturday should be sunny and cool. A low pressure trough and associated cold front will approach from the north during the day. The cold front should reach Stevens Pass around 10pm Saturday evening. This will bring moderate snow at low freezing levels. There is light snow accumulation expected in the Puget Sound lowlands Saturday night and Sunday.

Behind the cold front the trough sags south across Washington and Oregon on Sunday, north/northwest upper level flow should maintain snow showers during the day Sunday with snow tapering off Sunday night. Monday will bring scattered snow showers and continued cool temperatures.

The Long Range: After light snow showers Monday, Tuesday currently looks mostly dry and cool. A decent snow event could be setting up for the second half of next week. Don’t talk about it too much or you’ll scare it away.

Precipitation Ending at 4am: Today 24hr water = .25-.5 Snow = 4-6” Tomorrow’s 24hr water = .25 Snow = 2-4” Trend and Timing: Day 1 and Day 2 snow totals should basically be one event beginning Saturday night and ending Sunday afternoon.

24hr temperature ending at 4 am tomorrow:                                        Low: 16    High: 25 Freezing level: 500-1000’ Trend and Timing:    Typical of late winter, temps will bump up in the sun midday. Dramatic cooling tonight and behind the cold front after midnight.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4 am tomorrow: Base: W 5-10 Ridge Top: W 5-10, then WSW 10-20 Trend and Timing:  Light winds most of the day Saturday, increasing overnight and early Sunday morning. DV