MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Stevens Pass Mountain Weather Forecast

Day and Time: Saturday 0800

Current Observations:

24hr Precipitation: 0

Pass temperature: 18 base / 13 ridge

Pass level winds:  5-10 E

Barometer:  up a notch to 1023mb’s

Sky: high cirrus clouds

Radar: There are a few light scattered showers showing up in Western Washington.

The Forecast: Light snow showers today with warming temperatures.  Tonight will be mostly dry with some measurable snow expected by Monday.  Temperatures will rise into the mid to upper 20s’ over the next few days with the winds shifting westerly late tomorrow night.  

Long Range: The PNW snow machine will kick in to high gear this week with two strong winter storms entering the region on Tuesday/Wednesday and then again on Thursday/ Friday.  Specifics such as snow totals and freezing levels are still in question, but the Cascade Mountains will likely receive several feet of snow by the end of the weekend.     

  

The Science:  The leading edge of the approaching cold front is expected to make landfall in a few hours.  Pressure gradients will compress as the front pushes in.  The stubborn high pressure ridge east of the crest will stall and weaken the cold front today – hence just a trace of moisture.  Freezing levels west of the crest will begin to rise as warm air moves north along the western slopes.  At Pass level, east flow will likely stay intact through early Monday morning.

A stronger front will push in tomorrow evening. Models have the east flow being overtaking with unstable westerly flow producing nice orographic snow showers.  The flow turns NW on Tuesday with several winter storms in route for the PNW. 

Values from 4am today through

 4am tomorrow.

Precipitation: Today 24hr water: .10  snow: trace Tomorrow’s 24hr water:.5   snow: 2-5 Trend and Timing: Light snow today with snow increasing tomorrow afternoon.

Temperature: Low:18     High: 26 Freezing level: 1000’ – 3500’ Trend and Timing:    Temperatures will slowly warm over the next 24hrs with freezing levels peaking near +3500’ tomorrow and Monday.  Cool east flow will keep pass level temperatures below freezing.

Winds Base: 5-10 E Ridge: 5-10 ESE Trend and Timing: Pass level east flow will hold through early Monday morning.  5000’ winds will shift southerly over the next 24-36hrs.