MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day:  0600 Thursday

The Snapshot:  Rain today, changing to show tonight, moderate snow showers tomorrow.  Things begin to dry out with some sunshine on Saturday.   

The Science: The rain began around 5am this morning and is expected to continue as freezing levels climb to around 6000’ over the next 3-6hrs.   An inch or more of rain is likely before it shifts back to snow tonight.   

A low-pressure trough with an embedded cold front will bring colder air into the mix late tonight.   Unstable westerly flow will fill in behind the front tomorrow with good convergence zone conditions setting up.  We should see some nice snow accumulation heading into the Holiday weekend.     

The Long Range:   Snow showers will likely linger into Saturday morning.  A strong blocking ridge of high pressure will strengthen over the weekend with clear, dry and warm weather developing the first half of next week.   We might even feel a hint of spring on Monday and Tuesday. 

Precipitation Ending at 4am: Today 24hr water = 1-1.25 Snow = 1-4 Tomorrow’s 24hr water = .75-1 snow = 8-12 Trend and Timing: The rain will slowly shift back to snow after 7pm tonight with convergence showers setting up tomorrow.

24hr temperature ending at 4 am tomorrow:  Low: 26    High: 36 Freezing level: 6000’ -  3500’ Trend and Timing:    Freezing levels peak around noon today and then slowly fall through the night.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4 am tomorrow: Base:  5-10 WSW Ridge Top: 10-15 WSW  gust +20 possible. Trend and Timing: Strong SW flow aloft will bring windy conditions to the Pass today.

jM