MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day:  0715 Sunday

The Snapshot:  Very light snow flurries ending soon, clear and cool Monday.

Current Observations:  Groundhog day. Another 4” of snow overnight, cooler temperatures this morning with 27 degrees in the base area and 23 at the top of Skyline. Winds peaked from the west at 22mph overnight and are light now. Fun fact: we’ve recorded 29” of snow in the past 8 days, our base has increased at Schmidt Haus by 15” during the same period. That’s some settlement!

The Science: As the low pressure cell from yesterday moves to our east, it is leaving scattered showers in cool northerly flow in its wake. There is not a lot of moisture in the air mass that is being directed to us, thus the accumulations will be very light today before snow showers end completely midday Sunday. There should be partial clearing this afternoon. Northerly flow on the backside of the trough will continue Monday for cool temperatures, dry conditions, and some beautiful late fall sun.  

The Long Range:  The advertised high pressure development is still on track. A very strong ridge will develop early next week and remain in place for the extended period. Freezing levels will rise on Tuesday and reach 7-9,000’ for most of the week. No precipitation is expected with the warm temperatures, which is a way to see the glass as half full. There will likely be east flow developing, bringing temperature inversions to Stevens Pass.

24hr Precipitation ending at 4am: Today 24hr water: .1 Snow: 0-1” Tomorrow’s 24hr water: 0 Snow: 0 Trend and Timing: Snow showers should end completely by Sunday afternoon. No precipitation is expected for Monday.

24hr temperature ending at 4am:  Low: 20    High: 29 Snow level: 1500’ Trend and Timing:    Cool temps all day Sunday, further cooling overnight and Monday morning.

24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4am: Base: Variable W 0-5 Ridge Top: WNW 5-15 Trend and Timing: Consistent light winds from the WNW all day Sunday and Sunday night. DV