Mountain Weather Forecast

Weather Synopsis

The storm continues in the mountains this afternoon. So far, most sites have received 1-2+ ft of snow and counting, along with very gusty winds. At this point, the precipitation has turned more showery, but given its convective spring-like nature, this can mean periods of intense snowfall. Expect this pattern to continue overnight. A strong westerly Jet Stream remains aimed at the Pacific Northwest. This will maintain generally strong and gusty winds, especially for locations near and east of the Cascades Crest and Mt Hood. A subtle pulse of moisture being pushed by the jet should reinvigorate showers overnight and lead to yet another period of significant snow accumulation. Basically, Monday night will continue to be stormy. 

The pattern slowly starts to change on Tuesday. For most locations, the morning should start with snow showers. However, a high-pressure ridge will begin to build over the region and bring an end to the precipitation. The weather models continue to significantly disagree about exactly when that will occur. The longer the upper airflow stays westerly, the longer the low-level moisture can ring out more snow along the west slopes of the Cascades. As the winds turn more northwesterly, we should start to dry out. A lingering Puget Sound Convergence Zone could maintain a narrow band of precipitation into the afternoon. Away from these showers, the mountains should see significant sun breaks. This will be most likely for locations further east and south in the forecast area. By Tuesday night, the entire region should start to dry out and skies to clear. 

After a chilly start Wednesday morning, the mountains (and the snowpack) are in for a bit of whiplash. By mid-morning, the high-pressure ridge takes full control of our weather and floods the region with much warmer air. Long days, a strong April sun, and higher temperatures will send freezing levels soaring. This will be a very big change for the snowpack.