MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day: 0800 Friday

The Snapshot:    Rain today changing to mixed snow tonight; snow showers with clear periods expected through the weekend.

The Science: A low-pressure system tracking north along the PNW coast will spin band of moisture into the Cascade Mountains for the next few days.   An embedded warm front, followed by a cold front will swing north over the next +-12 hrs which will allow some cooler air to filter in.   Freezing levels are currently around 6000’ and should slowly fall through the day.  The atmosphere will remain unstable under cool westerly flow through the weekend.  Temps should be in favor of snow tomorrow and Sunday.  Some upper-level ridging will also produce some clear periods through the weekend as well.    

The Long Range:   This weather pattern seems to be pretty locked in through the most of next week.  Therefore, expect more weak wet systems with short dry periods in between to continue. 

24hr Precipitation ending at 4am: Today 24hr water = .25-.5 snow = 2-4 Tomorrow’s 24hr water = +.25  snow = 0-2 Trend and Timing: Rain today shifting to mixed rain and snow after 4 pm today.

24hr temperature ending at 4 am:  Low: 30    High: 38 Freezing level: 6000’ -  4000’ Trend and Timing:    Daytime temps will remain above freezing until the passing of the cold front later today.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4am: Base: 0-5 ESE Ridge Top: 5-10 ESE Trend and Timing: Easterly flow will shift SW in the wake of the cold front this evening.   Winds will be generally westerly through the weekend.

jM