Mountain Weather Forecast

Time and Day: 1015 Saturday

The Snapshot: Moderate rain developing today with mild temps, heavy rain and windy tomorrow.

The Science

Current Observations:  The rain has tapered off and stopped Saturday morning, leaving a saturated snow surface in its wake. Temperatures are currently around 33 degrees at the upper sites and 36 in the base area. It is mostly cloudy with a few sunbreaks occurring.

The Forecast: A stationary offshore ridge of high pressure will continue to direct incoming weather systems up and over it, and allow them to cross the PNW in WNW upper level flow. These storms are originating in warm air and thus are bringing higher freezing levels than we’d like. Most of the daylight hours Saturday Stevens Pass will be between weather systems, with the next one beginning to affect the area Saturday afternoon/evening. As the front moves into our region orographic lift will enhance precipitation, which is normally a pattern we like except for the aforementioned high freezing levels. The result looks to be moderate to heavy rain beginning again Saturday afternoon and continuing through Sunday.

After the front passes on Sunday temperatures will drop in its wake and the precipitation type should transition back to snow. The storm should finish with light to moderate snow Monday.

The Long Range: Light snow continues Monday, with light showers on Tuesday. After a brief break a weak system enters the region Wednesday night and Thursday with freezing levels again right on the line.

24hr values daily 4am to 4am.

Precipitation: Saturday’s 24hr water: .75   snow: 0” Sunday’s 24hr water: 2.0    snow: 2-4” Trend and Timing: Rain increasing Saturday afternoon, becoming heavy Sunday morning.

Temperature: Low: 33    High: 40 Freezing level: 6500’ Trend and Timing:    Temps will slowly creep up during the day and remain mild overnight.

Winds Base: W 10-15 Ridge Top: W 20-30 Trend and Timing: Winds will remain moderate Saturday and Saturday night.