MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Time and Day: 0630 Tuesday

The Snapshot:  Mild temperatures, partial clearing with light intermittent snow shower can be anticipated today.  Tomorrow will similar as to today but much warmer.  Snow and cooler temperatures arrive on Thursday with the weekend trending cold and dry.  

The Science

Current Observations:  It is lightly snowing, .41” of water produced 2” of snow over the last 24hrs, the temperature profile is 32 base / 29 ridges, the westerly winds have remained gusty above 4500’ (+10mph).  The barometer is at 1018mb’s and starting to climb.   The radar shows mostly dry conditions throughout the state with some light precipitation falling out along the coast.

The Forecast:  Unstable westerly flow will keep light snow showers falling at Stevens Pass today.  The rising barometer is an indicator of the effect the offshore high pressure system is beginning to have an effect.  Freezing levels will slowly rise over the next 24-35hrs as warm air filters in.   Weak bands of moisture, riding along the northern boundary of the high pressure will keep light snow and rain showers moving through.    

The Long Range: A cold front with a nice dose of snow will arrive on Thursday.  The weekend will be dry and cold as a arctic air mass descends from the interior north.       

24hr values daily 4am to 4am.

Precipitation: Today 24hr water: .25  snow: 1-3 Tomorrow’s 24hr water: lt.25  snow: 0 Trend and Timing: Intermittent light snow showers will continue today.

Temperature: Low:  30   High: 34 Freezing level: +- 3500’ Trend and Timing:    Freezing levels will hover around 3500’ with daytime warming.  Freezing levels will rise to 4000’ by noon tomorrow and then +5000’ tomorrow night.

Winds Base: 5-10 W Ridge Top: 5-15 W Trend and Timing: Gusty westerly winds will continue through Thursday.