MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Stevens Pass Mountain Weather Forecast

Day and Time: Monday 0630

Current Observations:

24hr Precipitation: 0  

Temperature profile: 26 base, 23 ridge

Pass level winds: Light to moderate - East

Barometer: 1020mbs and steady

Sky: Clear

Radar: Dry throughout the State with an inversion layer over the eastern basin

The Forecast: This dry, clear weather will continue through at least Wednesday.

Long Range: A change is in the works starting sometime on Wednesday with some potential snow to play with on Thursday.     

  

The Science:  Cool easterly flow with inverted temperatures will continue.  The inversion layer (+- 3000’) is thinning which could equate to bit more sunshine for you easterners.

The stubborn high pressure ridge over the intermountain west is expected to weaken over the next few days. This will open the door for a fairly large low pressure system to enter the scene for return to active weather.  Timing and details are still on the table for the models to work out.  So for now, enjoy the sunshine and look for snow to start on Wednesday/Thursday.

Values from 4am today through

 4am tomorrow.

Precipitation: Today 24hr water: 0  snow: 0 Tomorrow’s 24hr water: 0  snow: 0 Trend and Timing: Dry through Wednesday morning.

Temperature: Low: 26    High: 34 Freezing level: +-3000’ Trend and Timing:    Easterly flow influence will continue to keep surface temperatures at or below freezing.

Winds Base: 5-10 E Ridge Top: 5-15 E Trend and Timing: Easterly and gusty at times.

Glossary of PNW Weather Terms: 

Storm Water Equivalent (SWE)…. how much water is in the snow or rain

Orographic lift…. an airmass that is lifted as it moves up and over higher terrain. This promotes cloud development, and enhances precipitation.

Dirty Ridge…. a weak, unorganized high pressure ridge.

Advection…. the transfer of heat by the flow of fluid.  For the PNW, this is usually from warm moist air entering the region from the south.

Flow…. wind direction.  In meteorology, the wind direction is always noted where the wind is coming from.   East flow is wind coming from the east; SW is from the south west…

Intermountain West…. the mountain ranges between the Rockies and the Cascades.  Mainly Idaho and Western Montana.