January 16, 2018

MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day: 0700 Tuesday

The Snapshot:  Mild temperatures with light mixed rain and snow today.  The rain vs snow game will continue through at least Wednesday. Cooler temperatures and snow will bring us through the weekend.

The Science

Current Observations: 6 am - It started raining around midnight last night with .19” of water thus far.  It is now snowing with no new snow being reported.  The temperature has dropped a few degrees to 31.  The barometer is holding steady at 1017mb’s, and the winds have shifted to SW and are fairly light.  

The Forecast: The ridge of high pressure that was responsible for the dry patch of weather shifted east last night. This opened the door for moist SW flow to move in.  Unstable southwest flow will keep mild temperatures and light precipitation falling in the mountains today and most of tomorrow.  A warm front lifts up through the region tomorrow evening for another shot of mixed rain and snow.  

The Long Range:  A very active weather pattern with several frontal systems is preparing to impact the PNW heading into the weekend.  All this has cooler NW flow associated with it – so, prepare for a very snowy weekend.     

24hr Precipitation ending at 4 a.m:
Today 24hr water:.25  snow: 0-2
Tomorrow’s 24hr water: .25-.5 snow: 0-3

Trend and Timing:
Light mixed rain and snow showers today with rain developing tomorrow night.


24hr temperature ending at 4 a.m: 
Low:30     High:34
Freezing level:+-4500’

Trend and Timing:   
Freezing levels have stabilized around 4500’.  Freezing levels are expected to spike to 5000’ tomorrow night.  
 
24hr Winds (mph) ending at 4 a.m:
Base: 0-5 SW
Ridge Top: 5-10 SW

Trend and Timing:
SW winds will dominate the day with easterly flow returning tomorrow.



jM

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0800 Start Fri Jan 23rd, no ABS