MOUNTAIN WEATHER FORECAST

Stevens Pass Mountain Weather Forecast

Date: Saturday, February 8, 2020

Current Observations:

24hr Precipitation: 1.46" SWE / 9” snow

Temperature profile:  31 base / 26 upper ridge

Pass level winds:  westerly

Barometer: 1003 steady

Sky: Obscured, snowing

Radar: Widespread showers across the state, heaviest north of Mt. Rainier

The Forecast: Snow showers ending midday, with cooling temperatures and slowly clearing skies. Cooler tonight, with sun and dry conditions expected Sunday. 

The Science: A strong cold front crossed the PNW overnight, bringing sharply lowering temperatures and periods of moderate to heavy snow. Post frontal westerly flow will keep the convergence showers going for a few more hours this morning before upper level flow turns northerly, finally bringing an end to the madness. Abating winds, diminishing snow showers, and clearing skies should characterize Saturday afternoon. 

A high amplitude ridge builds offshore and shifts inland Saturday night, bringing abundant sunshine on Sunday. East flow will develop Saturday night with inversions likely in the passes. 

Long Range: Monday and Tuesday will be quite the reprieve, with sunny and dry conditions. The next weak system passes to our north on Tuesday night, with more active weather possible for the second half of the week. 

Confidence: Good

Values from 4am today through 4am tomorrow.

Precipitation: Today 24hr water: .25-.5 snow: 3-5" Tomorrow’s 24hr water: 0  snow: 0 Trend and Timing: Moderate snow this morning will taper down quickly, with a few light snow showers possible this afternoon.

Temperature: Low: 22    High: 31 Freezing level: 3000'-1500' Trend and Timing:    Cooling today with lower freezing levels overnight.

Winds Base: W 5-15, becoming east overnight Ridge Top: W 20-30+, then east overnight Trend and Timing: Gusty winds are likely for the next few hours behind the frontal passage, becoming light Saturday afternoon with east flow developing tonight.