Mountain Weather Forecast

Time and Day:  0745 Sunday

The Snapshot: Windy, snowy, and cold today. Light snow and cool Monday with showers ending Monday afternoon.

The Science

Current Observations:  Light snow began around 5am this morning. Temperatures are 30 in the base area and 25 on the upper mountain. The winds are starting to pick up out of the west. The barometer is dropping steadily and is currently at 1011.

The Forecast: A sharp cold front/trough is approaching the forecast area from the NW this morning. Gusty winds behind the front will push moisture against the Cascades resulting in good orographic snowfall. A large pool of cold air will settle in over the state for unseasonably cold temperatures today and tomorrow. As mid-level winds shift from SW-NW and then due west, convergence showers are likely at times. Exact precipitation/snow amounts are difficult to pinpoint in this scenario as the intensity and location of convergence zones can vary quickly.

Snow showers will end midday Monday, as the trough further sags south and drifts east. Low freezing levels are expected Monday as well, but any sunbreaks will rapidly rise temperatures.  

The Long Range: Tuesday looks partly cloudy and mostly dry. A warmer system approaches Wednesday, likely starting as snow but transitioning to rain by Thursday. Details will be posted as they emerge.

24hr values daily 4am to 4am.

Precipitation: Sunday’s   24hr water: .75-1.0     Snow: 8-12” Monday’s   24hr water:  .25    Snow: 2-4” Trend and Timing: Moderate snow during the day Sunday, possible heavy snow showers overnight and Monday morning.

Temperature: Low: 22   High: 32 Freezing Level: 2500-1000’ Trend and Timing:    Freezing level and temperatures should lower throughout the day Sunday and Sunday night.

Winds Base: W 10-15 Ridge Top: SW-NW 25-35 Trend and Timing: Winds will increase during the day Sunday, shifting from SW towards NW, then due west by Monday morning.