MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day: 0630 Friday

The Snapshot:   Moderate snow showers today.  Windy and warmer with moderate snow will lead us into tomorrow.  Rain is expected on Sunday.  

The Science

Current Observations:  .51” of water produced 9” of new snow overnight - poofda.  The temperature profile is 20 top / 26 base.  The winds are westerly and gusting 5-15mph under convergence flow.  The barometer has bumped up to 1011mb’s.   Satellite radar has moderate snow showers falling in the mountains.     

The Forecast:  Cool westerly convergence flow will keep snow showers falling in the mountains today.  A low pressure system will bring a pair of warm fronts through the region early tomorrow morning and then again on Sunday.  Freezing levels should be low enough for the precipitation to be snow tomorrow, not so lucky on Sunday.   

The Long Range:   Freezing levels jump above 5000’ on Sunday and remain high through Monday.  Models differ in the amounts of rain between 4am Sunday and 4am Tuesday – somewhere between 1-2”.   Cooler NW flow enters the scene early Tuesday morning for a return of snow.    

24hr values daily 4am to 4am.

Precipitation: Today 24hr water: .5 -.75  snow: 5-8 Tomorrow’s 24hr water: .25-.5  snow:1-4 Trend and Timing: Moderate snow showers today with increasing snow after midnight.

Temperature: Low:  22   High: 28 Freezing level: 2500’-3000’ Trend and Timing:    Freezing levels will inch up to 3000’ today.  Freezing level are expected to reach 3500’ tomorrow and then +5000’ on Sunday.

Winds Base: 5-10 W shifting E Ridge Top: 5-15 W Shifting E Trend and Timing: Westerly  winds today will shift easterly just prior to the arrival of the front tonight.