MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Stevens Pass Mountain Weather Forecast

Friday, December 20, 2019, 0700

Current Observations:

24hr Precipitation:        3.09swe, 17” of snow -  snowing above 4000’ with mixed rain and snow lower

Temperature profile:     33 base,  32 ridge

Pass level winds:            light, westerly

Barometer:                   1006mb’s and rising

Sky:                                OC and snowing

Radar:   Plenty of moisture streaming in from the SW.  Freezing levels are at 4500’ with snow levels reaching below 4000’.

The Forecast:  Heavy mixed rain and snow today with temperatures near freezing.  The snow tapers tomorrow afternoon with Sunday and Monday trending dry.  

Long Range. Light snow showers are expected on Christmas day with the next chance of measurable snow Thursday/Friday.  

  

The Science:   It was nice of the warm front to stall and allow the cold air to do its thing. A good base in works.

The flow aloft has shifted southerly with warmer air and a long fetch of moisture strung out to the SW.  This will be the pattern through tomorrow morning.  Freezing levels will be +-4500’ through this period.  

A high pressure ridge nudges in tomorrow afternoon with drying and some clearing possible Sunday and Monday.

Confidence:  Good.  

Values from 4am today through 4am tomorrow.

Precipitation: Today 24hr water: 2” snow: 8-12” lower mountains 14-18” above 4500’.    Tomorrow’s 24hr water:  .5-.75  snow: 4-6 Trend and Timing: Heavy mixed rain and snow will continue today and begin to diminish tomorrow.

Temperature: Low: 32    High: 34 Freezing level: +-4500’ Trend and Timing:    Temperatures will hover near freezing with some daytime warming likely.

Winds Base: 0-10 WSW Ridge Top:   5-15 SWS gusty Trend and Timing: Winds will be generally light with gusty ridgetop winds possible.