Mountain Weather Forecast

Time and Day: 0630 Saturday

The Snapshot: Sunny with cold east flow and warm upper mountain temps today, high pressure strengthening on Sunday. 

The Science

Current Observations:  East winds are keeping it frosty this morning with temperatures in the high teens/low 20's across the mountain. Snow ended Friday mid-morning and there was no additional accumulation overnight. The barometer is on a steady rise and is at 1016 currently. 

The Forecast:  A pronounced high pressure ridge has filled in behind yesterdays storm. Markedly spring-like conditions are in store for the next two days. Seattle is expecting temperatures in the mid 60's. The difference in surface level air pressure between the east and west sides of the crest should drive easterly flow through the passes, bringing local inversions and cooler temps in the base area. 

The Long Range: Monday should be another spring day, with a cooling trend and frontal precipitation arriving on Tuesday. With some luck, next week's storm will bring moderate snow to Stevens Pass. 

24hr values daily 4am to 4am.

Precipitation: Saturday's   24hr water:  0   Snow: 0 Sunday's   24hr water:   0   Snow: 0” Trend and Timing: No precipitation is expected for the next 48 hours.

Temperature: Low: 20   High: 36 Snow level: 1500-5000 Trend and Timing:    Free air temperatures will come up dramatically on Saturday, but an inversion could keep things below freezing at Pass level.

Winds Base: E 10-15 Ridge Top: Variable 10-15 Trend and Timing: Moderate east flow should develop Saturday and strengthen overnight. Ridgetops may be high enough for light west winds.