MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Stevens Pass Mountain Weather Forecast

Day and Time: Wednesday 0700

Current Observations:

24hr Precipitation:        Lightly raining, .05swe, 0 snow

Temperature profile:     36 base, 34 ridge

Pass level winds:            Light, westerly

Barometer:                    1008mb’s holding

Sky:                               OC

Radar: The radar is lit up this morning with widespread rain showers moving through the region.  Snow Stehekin north.  

The Forecast: Rain showers today with mixed snow on the upper mountain.  Mostly dry with partial clearing tomorrow.

Long Range: Another round of mixed rain and snow is expected on Friday with a measurable snow potential on Saturday.  Rain for Sunday.  

  

The Science:  The moisture is underway with the passing of the first frontal band, now moving through eastern Washington this morning.  Unstable westerly flow is filling in with increasing precipitation expected through the day.  A weak high pressure ridge between systems will bring a short dry period tomorrow with the next frontal band expected to move through on Friday.

Freezing levels will be +-5000’ through Friday with good daytime temperatures recovery.   A pocket of cold air associated with upper level NW flow will drop freezing levels to or below 4000’ on Saturday; with some luck, we will get some fresh white stuff on ground.   

Forecast confidence:   Good.  

Values from 4am today through

 4am tomorrow.

Precipitation: Today 24hr water: .5  snow: 0 base,  1-3 ridge Tomorrow’s 24hr water: .25  snow: 0 Trend and Timing: Mixed rain and snow persist today with mostly dry conditions expected tomorrow.

Temperature: Low:32   High:38 Freezing level: 5000’ – 4500’ Trend and Timing:    Freezing levels will settle around 4500’ tonight and then rise back up to 5500’ tomorrow.

Winds Base: 5-10 W gusty Ridge Top: 5-15 W gusty Trend and Timing: Westerly flow will strengthen today with gusty winds likely.  East flow re-develops tomorrow.