March 7, 2017

MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day: 0630 Tuesday

The Snapshot:   2” of snow fell overnight with warmer air and the next batch of moisture on the way.   Heavy snow is expected today shifting to showers overnight with a similar event is expected on Thursday/Friday.

The Science:  The trifecta of heavy precipitation, rising freezing levels, and gusty winds will grace Stevens Pass today.  A SW to NE oriented jet stream is pushing a fairly large band of moisture into the PNW.  The leading edge of this system is currently entering the South Sound with moderate to heavy precipitation falling along the south-western slopes of the Cascade.  A cold front follows tonight with gusty winds and falling temperatures.   A similar event, packing even more moisture, is expected on Thursday and Friday.  

The Long Range:  The active weather continues through the weekend with several storms poised to impact the PNW.  Rain will be part of the discussion as freezing levels rise and fall with the passing of these storms. 

24hr Precipitation ending at 4am:
Today 24hr water = 1-1.25 snow = 10-15
Tomorrow’s 24hr water = .5 snow = 3-5

Trend and Timing:
Heavy snow today.  A period of moderate to heavy convergence snowfall can be anticipated early tomorrow morning with snow diminishing through the day.  


24hr Temperature ending at 4 am tomorrow: 
Low: 21    High: 30
Freezing level: 1000’ -3500’

Trend and Timing:   
Freezing levels will rise to around +-3500’ by noon or so today and then fall in the wake of the cold front at or just after midnight tonight.  


 
24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4 am tomorrow:
Base: 0-5 ESE shifting W
Ridge Top: 5-10 ESE shifting W

Trend and Timing:
Winds will be south easterly through most of the day.  Winds will shift westerly and strengthen tonight with the approach of the cold front.


jM

No comments:

0800 Start Sat Jan 17th, no ABS