MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day: 0630 Thursday

The Snapshot:   5” of snow fell overnight with light snow falling this morning.  Heavy snow this afternoon turning to rain tonight.  Generally, warm and wet weather is forecasted for the long range.

The Science:  A strong low-pressure system will drive the next batch of moisture into the PNW today.  The embedded warm front is currently stationed along the Washington/Oregon border and is expected to track north through the day.  The precipitation will start out as heavy snow and then shift to rain tonight.   Freezing levels peak near 5000’ tonight with strong WSW winds blowing during the early morning hours.

A weak cold front brushing the NW corner of the state and some mid level ridging will allow light snow showers with sun breaks tomorrow.    

The Long Range:   Waves of mixed rain and snow can be expected Saturday and Sunday.  The first half of next week will be wet with freezing levels +7000’ through Wednesday.  

24hr Precipitation ending at 4am: Today 24hr water = 1 snow = 4-8 Tomorrow’s 24hr water = .25-.5 snow = 3-5 Trend and Timing: Snow should increase today and shift to rain late this afternoon/evening.   The rain shifts back to snow showers tomorrow.

24hr temperature ending at 4 am:  Low:  26   High: 36 Freezing level: 3000’ – 5000’ Trend and Timing:    Freezing levels should reach 4000’ by early afternoon and ascend to 5000’ around 7 pm tonight.   Freezing levels will then fall back to 3500’ during the day tomorrow.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4 am: Base: 5-10 WSW Ridge Top: 5-15 WSW Trend and Timing: There will be a short period of east flow this afternoon.  The winds shift WSW and strengthen through the night.  40+mph winds will be possible during the early morning hours.

jM