Issued: 2:06 PM PST Monday, March 2, 2026
by Sam Clairmont

Jump to: Weather Forecast I Precipitation I Snow Level I 5000' Temps I Ridgeline Winds I Extended Weather

Weather Synopsis

It’s another beautiful day out there, with weak upper-level ridging in place over the Pacific Northwest. Mostly clear skies prevail, despite some high-level clouds drifting over the southern and eastern zones. Low-lying areas that experienced temperature inversions have mixed out quickly, and valley bottoms have climbed above freezing this afternoon. Almost all middle and upper elevation weather stations are at or nearing 50°F. Winds remain light and westerly through the mountain gaps, with NW flow aloft.

A warm frontal system will bring a change in the weather starting late Monday night, with a marked wind shift to the SW and increasing cloud cover across the entire forecast region. Precipitation is expected to begin around daybreak Tuesday, beginning light and intensifying through the day. The Olympics and the West North are favored to receive the heaviest precipitation in this pattern. Winds will increase to moderate at ridgeline, with stronger speeds expected near the volcanoes, mountain gaps, and across east-side zones. Precipitation will persist through the night into Wednesday.

There are indications of a possible convergence zone developing late Tuesday night between the Mountain Loop and Mount Baker areas, which could bring locally heavier rain and mountain snow. Exact positioning will depend on the next 24 hours. Most of the activity will remain west of the crest, with lighter amounts of rain and mountain snow spilling over to the east side.

Snow levels will begin around 5,000 feet on Tuesday, meaning rain for the Passes and most trailheads. Gradual cooling Tuesday night into Wednesday will lower snow levels closer to 4,000 feet. By Wednesday afternoon, snow levels will be approaching Pass level.

Weather Forecast

Olympics
West North
West Central
West South
Stevens Pass
Snoqualmie Pass
East North
East Central
East South
Mt. Hood
Use dropdown to select your zone
Monday Night Building clouds, turning mostly cloudy. Slight chance of light rain and mountain snow.
Tuesday Moderate rain and mountain snow, intensifying later in the day. Moderate ridgeline wind.
Monday Night Building clouds, turning mostly cloudy. Slight chance of light rain and mountain snow.
Tuesday Moderate rain and mountain snow, intensifying later in the day. Moderate to strong ridgeline wind.
Monday Night Building clouds, turning mostly cloudy. Slight chance of light rain and mountain snow.
Tuesday Moderate rain and mountain snow, intensifying later in the day. Light to moderate ridgeline wind.
Monday Night Building clouds, turning mostly cloudy. Light to moderate ridgeline wind.
Tuesday Moderate rain and mountain snow, intensifying later in the day. Light to moderate ridgeline wind.
Monday Night Building clouds, turning mostly cloudy. Light ridgeline and W wind at Pass level.
Tuesday Moderate rain and mountain snow. Light to moderate ridgeline and W wind at Pass level.
Monday Night Building clouds, turning mostly cloudy. Light ridgeline and W wind at Pass level.
Tuesday Moderate rain and mountain snow. Moderate ridgeline and W wind at Pass level.
Monday Night Building clouds, turning mostly cloudy.
Tuesday Light rain and mountain snow.
Monday Night Building clouds, turning mostly cloudy.
Tuesday Light rain and mountain snow. Moderate ridgeline wind.
Monday Night Building clouds, turning mostly cloudy.
Tuesday Occasional light rain and mountain snow. Moderate ridgeline wind.
Monday Night Building clouds, turning mostly cloudy. Light to moderate ridgeline wind.
Tuesday Rain and mountain snow. Moderate to strong ridgeline wind.

Precipitation (in)

Monday Night Tuesday Tuesday Night Wednesday
4 pm - 4 am 4 am - 4 pm 4 pm - 4 am 4 am - 4 pm
Hurricane Ridge 0 LT 0.25 0.25 LT 0.25
Mt Baker Ski Area 0 0.50 0.75 0.50
Mt. Loop - Barlow Pass 0 0.25 - 0.50 0.75 0.50
Stevens Pass 0 LT 0.25 0.50 0.25
Snoqualmie Pass 0 LT 0.25 0.50 0.25
Crystal Mt 0 LT 0.10 0.25 0.25
Paradise 0 LT 0.25 0.50 - 0.75 0.50
White Pass 0 LT 0.10 0.25 0.25
Washington Pass 0 LT 0.25 0.25 LT 0.25
Mission Ridge 0 0 LT 0.10 LT 0.10
Salmon la Sac - Gallagher Head 0 LT 0.10 0.25 LT 0.25
Tieton River - Darland Mt. 0 LT 0.10 LT 0.10 LT 0.10
Mt Hood Meadows 0 LT 0.10 0.50 0.75
Timberline 0 LT 0.10 0.50 0.75
Hurricane Ridge Precipitation (in)
Monday Night 0
Tuesday LT 0.25
Tuesday Night 0.25
Wednesday LT 0.25
Mt Baker Ski Area Precipitation (in)
Monday Night 0
Tuesday 0.50
Tuesday Night 0.75
Wednesday 0.50
Mt. Loop - Barlow Pass Precipitation (in)
Monday Night 0
Tuesday 0.25 - 0.50
Tuesday Night 0.75
Wednesday 0.50
Stevens Pass Precipitation (in)
Monday Night 0
Tuesday LT 0.25
Tuesday Night 0.50
Wednesday 0.25
Snoqualmie Pass Precipitation (in)
Monday Night 0
Tuesday LT 0.25
Tuesday Night 0.50
Wednesday 0.25
Crystal Mt Precipitation (in)
Monday Night 0
Tuesday LT 0.10
Tuesday Night 0.25
Wednesday 0.25
Paradise Precipitation (in)
Monday Night 0
Tuesday LT 0.25
Tuesday Night 0.50 - 0.75
Wednesday 0.50
White Pass Precipitation (in)
Monday Night 0
Tuesday LT 0.10
Tuesday Night 0.25
Wednesday 0.25
Washington Pass Precipitation (in)
Monday Night 0
Tuesday LT 0.25
Tuesday Night 0.25
Wednesday LT 0.25
Mission Ridge Precipitation (in)
Monday Night 0
Tuesday 0
Tuesday Night LT 0.10
Wednesday LT 0.10
Salmon la Sac - Gallagher Head Precipitation (in)
Monday Night 0
Tuesday LT 0.10
Tuesday Night 0.25
Wednesday LT 0.25
Tieton River - Darland Mt. Precipitation (in)
Monday Night 0
Tuesday LT 0.10
Tuesday Night LT 0.10
Wednesday LT 0.10
Mt Hood Meadows Precipitation (in)
Monday Night 0
Tuesday LT 0.10
Tuesday Night 0.50
Wednesday 0.75
Timberline Precipitation (in)
Monday Night 0
Tuesday LT 0.10
Tuesday Night 0.50
Wednesday 0.75

Snow Level (ft)

Monday Evening Monday Night Tuesday Morning Tuesday Afternoon Tuesday Evening Tuesday Night Wednesday Morning Wednesday Afternoon
Olympics 8500' 7500' 6000' 4500' 4500' 4500' 4000' 3500'
West North 8000' 8000' 6000' 5000' 4500' 4500' 4000' 4000'
West Central 8500' 8000' 6500' 5000' 5000' 4500' 4000' 4000'
West South 8500' 8500' 6500' 5500' 5000' 5000' 4500' 4000'
Stevens Pass 8500' 8000' 6500' 5500' 5500' 5000' 4500' 4000'
Snoqualmie Pass 8500' 8000' 6500' 5500' 5500' 5000' 4500' 4000'
East North 8500' 7500' 6000' 5500' 5000' 4500' 4000' 4000'
East Central 8500' 8500' 6500' 5500' 5000' 5000' 4500' 4000'
East South 8500' 8500' 7000' 5500' 5000' 5000' 4500' 4000'
Mt. Hood 8500' 8500' 7000' 5500' 5500' 5000' 4500' 4000'
Olympics Elevation
Monday Evening 8500'
Monday Night 7500'
Tuesday Morning 6000'
Tuesday Afternoon 4500'
Tuesday Evening 4500'
Tuesday Night 4500'
Wednesday Morning 4000'
Wednesday Afternoon 3500'
West North Elevation
Monday Evening 8000'
Monday Night 8000'
Tuesday Morning 6000'
Tuesday Afternoon 5000'
Tuesday Evening 4500'
Tuesday Night 4500'
Wednesday Morning 4000'
Wednesday Afternoon 4000'
West Central Elevation
Monday Evening 8500'
Monday Night 8000'
Tuesday Morning 6500'
Tuesday Afternoon 5000'
Tuesday Evening 5000'
Tuesday Night 4500'
Wednesday Morning 4000'
Wednesday Afternoon 4000'
West South Elevation
Monday Evening 8500'
Monday Night 8500'
Tuesday Morning 6500'
Tuesday Afternoon 5500'
Tuesday Evening 5000'
Tuesday Night 5000'
Wednesday Morning 4500'
Wednesday Afternoon 4000'
Stevens Pass Elevation
Monday Evening 8500'
Monday Night 8000'
Tuesday Morning 6500'
Tuesday Afternoon 5500'
Tuesday Evening 5500'
Tuesday Night 5000'
Wednesday Morning 4500'
Wednesday Afternoon 4000'
Snoqualmie Pass Elevation
Monday Evening 8500'
Monday Night 8000'
Tuesday Morning 6500'
Tuesday Afternoon 5500'
Tuesday Evening 5500'
Tuesday Night 5000'
Wednesday Morning 4500'
Wednesday Afternoon 4000'
East North Elevation
Monday Evening 8500'
Monday Night 7500'
Tuesday Morning 6000'
Tuesday Afternoon 5500'
Tuesday Evening 5000'
Tuesday Night 4500'
Wednesday Morning 4000'
Wednesday Afternoon 4000'
East Central Elevation
Monday Evening 8500'
Monday Night 8500'
Tuesday Morning 6500'
Tuesday Afternoon 5500'
Tuesday Evening 5000'
Tuesday Night 5000'
Wednesday Morning 4500'
Wednesday Afternoon 4000'
East South Elevation
Monday Evening 8500'
Monday Night 8500'
Tuesday Morning 7000'
Tuesday Afternoon 5500'
Tuesday Evening 5000'
Tuesday Night 5000'
Wednesday Morning 4500'
Wednesday Afternoon 4000'
Mt. Hood Elevation
Monday Evening 8500'
Monday Night 8500'
Tuesday Morning 7000'
Tuesday Afternoon 5500'
Tuesday Evening 5500'
Tuesday Night 5000'
Wednesday Morning 4500'
Wednesday Afternoon 4000'

5000' Temperatures (°F)

Monday Night Tuesday
Max / Min Max / Min
Olympics 41 / 30 35 / 29
West North 38 / 32 35 / 29
West Central 38 / 31 35 / 31
West South 38 / 31 36 / 32
Stevens Pass 39 / 32 35 / 31
Snoqualmie Pass 39 / 32 35 / 31
East North 35 / 20 35 / 28
East Central 42 / 30 38 / 32
East South 41 / 30 38 / 32
Mt. Hood 41 / 30 38 / 32
Olympics 5000' Temperature Forecast
(Max / Min)
Monday Night 41 / 30
Tuesday 35 / 29
West North 5000' Temperature Forecast
(Max / Min)
Monday Night 38 / 32
Tuesday 35 / 29
West Central 5000' Temperature Forecast
(Max / Min)
Monday Night 38 / 31
Tuesday 35 / 31
West South 5000' Temperature Forecast
(Max / Min)
Monday Night 38 / 31
Tuesday 36 / 32
Stevens Pass 5000' Temperature Forecast
(Max / Min)
Monday Night 39 / 32
Tuesday 35 / 31
Snoqualmie Pass 5000' Temperature Forecast
(Max / Min)
Monday Night 39 / 32
Tuesday 35 / 31
East North 5000' Temperature Forecast
(Max / Min)
Monday Night 35 / 20
Tuesday 35 / 28
East Central 5000' Temperature Forecast
(Max / Min)
Monday Night 42 / 30
Tuesday 38 / 32
East South 5000' Temperature Forecast
(Max / Min)
Monday Night 41 / 30
Tuesday 38 / 32
Mt. Hood 5000' Temperature Forecast
(Max / Min)
Monday Night 41 / 30
Tuesday 38 / 32

Ridgeline Winds (mph)

Monday Evening Monday Night Tuesday Morning Tuesday Afternoon
Olympics SSW 5-15 SSW 10-20 SW 10-20 SW 15-25
West North SW 5-15 SW 10-20 SSW 15-25 SSW 15-25
West Central WSW 0-10 WSW 5-15 SW 10-20 SW 15-25
West South SW 0-10 SW 5-15 SW 5-15 SW 10-20
Stevens Pass W 0-10 WSW 5-15 WSW 5-15 WSW 5-15
Snoqualmie Pass WSW 0-10 WSW 5-15 SW 10-20 W 10-20
East North WSW 0-10 SW 0-10 SW 0-10 SW 5-15
East Central WSW 0-10 WSW 10-20 WSW 15-25 W 15-25
East South W 0-10 WSW 5-15 WSW 5-15 WSW 10-20
Mt. Hood SW 5-15 SW 10-20 WSW 15-25 W 20-30
Olympics Ridgeline Winds (mph)
Monday Evening SSW 5-15
Monday Night SSW 10-20
Tuesday Morning SW 10-20
Tuesday Afternoon SW 15-25
West North Ridgeline Winds (mph)
Monday Evening SW 5-15
Monday Night SW 10-20
Tuesday Morning SSW 15-25
Tuesday Afternoon SSW 15-25
West Central Ridgeline Winds (mph)
Monday Evening WSW 0-10
Monday Night WSW 5-15
Tuesday Morning SW 10-20
Tuesday Afternoon SW 15-25
West South Ridgeline Winds (mph)
Monday Evening SW 0-10
Monday Night SW 5-15
Tuesday Morning SW 5-15
Tuesday Afternoon SW 10-20
Stevens Pass Ridgeline Winds (mph)
Monday Evening W 0-10
Monday Night WSW 5-15
Tuesday Morning WSW 5-15
Tuesday Afternoon WSW 5-15
Snoqualmie Pass Ridgeline Winds (mph)
Monday Evening WSW 0-10
Monday Night WSW 5-15
Tuesday Morning SW 10-20
Tuesday Afternoon W 10-20
East North Ridgeline Winds (mph)
Monday Evening WSW 0-10
Monday Night SW 0-10
Tuesday Morning SW 0-10
Tuesday Afternoon SW 5-15
East Central Ridgeline Winds (mph)
Monday Evening WSW 0-10
Monday Night WSW 10-20
Tuesday Morning WSW 15-25
Tuesday Afternoon W 15-25
East South Ridgeline Winds (mph)
Monday Evening W 0-10
Monday Night WSW 5-15
Tuesday Morning WSW 5-15
Tuesday Afternoon WSW 10-20
Mt. Hood Ridgeline Winds (mph)
Monday Evening SW 5-15
Monday Night SW 10-20
Tuesday Morning WSW 15-25
Tuesday Afternoon W 20-30

Extended Weather Synopsis

Active weather will continue through Friday as WNW flow settles in behind the front. Additional rounds of rain and mountain snow are expected, with the snow level fluctuating near the elevation of Snoqualmie Pass. Friday may bring a brief break in the moisture.

Extended Snow Level (ft)

Wednesday Night Thursday Thursday Night Friday
West North 3000' 2500' 3000' 3500'
Snoqualmie Pass 3500' 3000' 3000' 4000'
Mt. Hood 3500' 3000' 3500' 4500'
West North Elevation
Wednesday Night 3000'
Thursday 2500'
Thursday Night 3000'
Friday 3500'
Snoqualmie Pass Elevation
Wednesday Night 3500'
Thursday 3000'
Thursday Night 3000'
Friday 4000'
Mt. Hood Elevation
Wednesday Night 3500'
Thursday 3000'
Thursday Night 3500'
Friday 4500'

Jump to: Weather Forecast I Precipitation I Snow Level I 5000' Temps I Ridgeline Winds I Extended Weather

Previous forecast from Mar 2, 2026

The NWAC program is administered by the USDA-Forest Service and operates from the National Weather Service Forecast Office in Seattle. NWAC services are made possible by important collaboration and support from a wide variety of federal, state and private cooperators.

The 5000’ temperature forecast does not imply a trend over the 12 hr period and only represents the max and min temperatures within a 12 hr period in the zone. The 6-hr snow level forecast, the forecast discussion, and weather forecast sections may add detail regarding temperature trends.

The snow level forecast represents the general snow level over a 6 hr time period. Freezing levels are forecast when precipitation is not expected.

*Easterly or offshore flow is highlighted with an asterisk when we expect relatively cool east winds in the major Cascade Passes. Easterly flow will often lead to temperature inversions and is a key variable for forecasting precipitation type in the Cascade Passes. Strong easterly flow events can affect terrain on a more regional scale.

Ridgeline winds are the average wind speed and direction over a 6 hr time period.

The wind forecast represents an elevation range instead of a single elevation slice. The elevation range overlaps with the near and above treeline elevation bands in the avalanche forecast and differs per zone.

Wind direction indicates the direction the wind originates or comes from on the 16-point compass rose.

Water Equivalent (WE) is the liquid water equivalent of all precipitation types; rain, snow, ice pellets, etc., forecast to the hundredth of an inch at specific locations. To use WE as a proxy for snowfall amounts, start with a snow to water ratio of 10:1 (10 inches of snow = 1 inch WE). Temperatures at or near freezing will generally have a lower ratio (heavy wet snow) and very cold temperatures can have a much higher ratio (dry fluffy snow).

The label LT, is shorthand for ‘less than’.

📱 Download Avy App today ( iOS | Android )