Jump to: Weather Forecast I Snow/Freezing Level I Precipitation I Free Winds 5k I Free Winds 9k I Extended Weather
Weather Synopsis for Thursday & Thursday
Afternoon update changes: Some Day 1 and Day 2 precipitation forecasts have been lowered.
An occluded front passed through the Cascades this morning with light precipitation for most mountain locations. The front extends from a stacked area of low pressure around 130 W off of Vancouver Island.
Behind the front precipitation intensity increased late this morning in the form of moderate showers. Snow levels will waffle around 3500 feet, with a rain/snow mix likely around Snoqualmie even with easterly flow through the AM. Some of the heaviest snow accumulations are expected for Mt. Baker and Paradise through early this evening. Shower activity will taper overnight.
The low pressure system will weaken as it tracks into northern Oregon Thursday night. This should deliver a moderate shot of precipitation to Mt. Hood, with lighter amounts for the south Washington Cascades. Snow levels will remain on the cool side.
Weather Forecast
Olympics and Washington Cascades
| Thursday - Thursday Evening |
Light to moderate rain and snow showers through early evening, heaviest showers Mt. Baker and Paradise. |
| Thursday Night - Friday Mid-day |
Scattered showers tapering down Thursday night and becoming mostly cloudy. |
| Friday Afternoon - Friday Night |
Light rain and snow developing south Washington Cascades Friday afternoon. Mostly cloudy Olympics and central/north Washington Cascades. |
Mt. Hood Area
| Thursday - Thursday Evening |
Light to moderate rain and snow showers through early evening. |
| Thursday Night - Friday Morning |
Scattered showers tapering down Thursday night and becoming mostly cloudy. |
| Friday Mid-day - Friday Evening |
Light rain and snow developing by mid-day for Mt. Hood and becoming moderate in the afternoon and evening. |
| Friday Night |
Mostly cloudy with light snow showers. |
Issued: 2:08 PM PST Thursday, December 10, 2015
Snow/Freezing Level (ft)
| Hurricane Ridge | Mt. Baker | Washington Pass | Leavenworth | Stevens Pass | Snoqualmie Pass | Mt. Rainier, Crystal & White Pass | Mt. Hood | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon | Snow Level | 3500' | 3500' | 3500' | ' | ' | 3500' | ' | 4000' |
| Thursday Night - Friday Afternoon | Snow Level * | 3000' | 2500' | 2500' | ' | ' | 2500' | ' | 3000' |
| Friday Night | Snow Level * | 3000' | 2500' | 2500' | ' | ' | 3000' | ' | 4000' |
| Hurricane Ridge | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon |
Snow Level 3500' |
| Thursday Night - Friday Afternoon |
Snow Level 3000' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Friday Night |
Snow Level 3000' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Mt. Baker | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon |
Snow Level 3500' |
| Thursday Night - Friday Afternoon |
Snow Level 2500' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Friday Night |
Snow Level 2500' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Washington Pass | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon |
Snow Level 3500' |
| Thursday Night - Friday Afternoon |
Snow Level 2500' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Friday Night |
Snow Level 2500' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Leavenworth | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon |
Snow Level ' |
| Thursday Night - Friday Afternoon |
Snow Level ' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Friday Night |
Snow Level ' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Stevens Pass | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon |
Snow Level ' |
| Thursday Night - Friday Afternoon |
Snow Level ' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Friday Night |
Snow Level ' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Snoqualmie Pass | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon |
Snow Level 3500' |
| Thursday Night - Friday Afternoon |
Snow Level 2500' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Friday Night |
Snow Level 3000' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Mt. Rainier & Crystal | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon |
Snow Level ' |
| Thursday Night - Friday Afternoon |
Snow Level ' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Friday Night |
Snow Level ' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Mt. Hood | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon |
Snow Level 4000' |
| Thursday Night - Friday Afternoon |
Snow Level 3000' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Friday Night |
Snow Level 4000' (Easterly Flow *) |
* Easterly flow in the Cascade Passes can cause locally lower Snow or Freezing levels than areas further west.
Freezing Level is when no precipitation is forecast.
Precipitation Forecast
| Thursday | Thursday | |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Ridge | 0 - 0.75 | LT 0.10 |
| Mt Baker Ski Area | 0 - 1.50 | LT 0.10 |
| Washington Pass | 0.75 - 1.00 | LT 0.10 |
| Stevens Pass | 0.50 - 0.75 | LT 0.10 |
| Snoqualmie Pass | 0.75 - 1.00 | LT 0.25 |
| Mission Ridge | LT 0.25 | LT 0.10 |
| Crystal Mt | 0 - 0.75 | LT 0.25 |
| Paradise | 0 - 1.50 | 0.25 - 0.50 |
| White Pass | 0 - 0.75 | 0.25 - 0.50 |
| Mt Hood Meadows | 0.75 - 1.00 | 0 - 1.00 |
| Timberline | 0 - 1.00 | 1.00 - 1.50 |
LT = less than; WE or Water equivalent is the liquid water equivalent of melted snow in hundredths of inches. As a rough approximation 1 inch of snow = about .10 inches WE, or 10 inches of snow = about 1 inch WE.
Issued: 2:08 PM PST Thursday, December 10, 2015
Free Winds at 5000' (mph)
| Hurricane Ridge | Mt. Baker | Stevens to Snoqualmie Pass | Mt. Rainier | Mt. Hood | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon - Thursday Evening | SW 25 - 35 | SW 20 - 30 | SW 25 - 35 | --- - | SW 20 - 30 |
| Thursday Night | SSW 10 - 20 | S 10 - 20 | SW 10 - 20 | --- - | SW 10 - 20 |
| Friday - Friday Night | E 0 - 10 | E 0 - 10 | E 0 - 10 | --- - | SW 0 - 10 |
| Hurricane Ridge | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon - Thursday Evening | SW 25 - 35 |
| Thursday Night | SSW 10 - 20 |
| Friday - Friday Night | E 0 - 10 |
| Mt. Baker | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon - Thursday Evening | SW 20 - 30 |
| Thursday Night | S 10 - 20 |
| Friday - Friday Night | E 0 - 10 |
| Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon - Thursday Evening | SW 25 - 35 |
| Thursday Night | SW 10 - 20 |
| Friday - Friday Night | E 0 - 10 |
| Mt. Rainier | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon - Thursday Evening | --- - |
| Thursday Night | --- - |
| Friday - Friday Night | --- - |
| Mt. Hood | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon - Thursday Evening | SW 20 - 30 |
| Thursday Night | SW 10 - 20 |
| Friday - Friday Night | SW 0 - 10 |
| Hurricane Ridge | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon - Thursday Evening | SW 25 - 35 |
| Thursday Night | SSW 10 - 20 |
| Friday - Friday Night | E 0 - 10 |
| Mt. Baker | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon - Thursday Evening | SW 20 - 30 |
| Thursday Night | S 10 - 20 |
| Friday - Friday Night | E 0 - 10 |
| Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon - Thursday Evening | SW 25 - 35 |
| Thursday Night | SW 10 - 20 |
| Friday - Friday Night | E 0 - 10 |
| Mt. Rainier | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon - Thursday Evening | --- - |
| Thursday Night | --- - |
| Friday - Friday Night | --- - |
| Mt. Hood | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon - Thursday Evening | SW 20 - 30 |
| Thursday Night | SW 10 - 20 |
| Friday - Friday Night | SW 0 - 10 |
Directions above indicate the direction the wind blows from on the 16-point cardinal scale. These winds indicate "free" winds, or those winds in the atmosphere not influenced by terrain. Topographical effects may produce greater or lower wind speeds in certain locations as well as significant variations in direction.
Free Winds at 9000' (mph)
| Mt. Baker | Washington Pass | Stevens to Snoqualmie Pass | Mt. Rainier | Mt. Hood | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon | SW 30 - 40 | SW 40 - 50 | SW 40 - 50 | --- - | SW 40 - 50 |
| Thursday Night | SW 20 - 30 | SW 25 - 35 | SW 20 - 30 | --- - | SW 25 - 35 |
| Friday | ESE 5 - 15 | ESE 5 - 15 | ESE 10 - 20 | --- - | SW 20 - 30 |
| Friday Night | W 5 - 15 | W 5 - 15 | W 10 - 20 | --- - | NW 20 - 30 |
| Mt. Baker | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon | SW 30 - 40 |
| Thursday Night | SW 20 - 30 |
| Friday | ESE 5 - 15 |
| Friday Night | W 5 - 15 |
| Washington Pass | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon | SW 40 - 50 |
| Thursday Night | SW 25 - 35 |
| Friday | ESE 5 - 15 |
| Friday Night | W 5 - 15 |
| Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon | SW 40 - 50 |
| Thursday Night | SW 20 - 30 |
| Friday | ESE 10 - 20 |
| Friday Night | W 10 - 20 |
| Mt. Rainier | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon | --- - |
| Thursday Night | --- - |
| Friday | --- - |
| Friday Night | --- - |
| Mt. Hood | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Thursday Afternoon | SW 40 - 50 |
| Thursday Night | SW 25 - 35 |
| Friday | SW 20 - 30 |
| Friday Night | NW 20 - 30 |
Directions above indicate the direction the wind blows from on the 16-point cardinal scale. These winds indicate "free" winds, or those winds in the atmosphere not influenced by terrain. Topographical effects may produce greater or lower wind speeds in certain locations as well as significant variations in direction.
Issued: 2:08 PM PST Thursday, December 10, 2015
Extended Weather Synopsis for Thursday night through Thursday
The next frontal system will rapidly develop as it approaches from the west on Saturday. Light to moderate precipitation should spread over the Cascades during the day Saturday with the front passing through Saturday night. The latest forecast models show a subtle warming forecast for later Saturday afternoon and evening for the south Washington Cascades down to Mt. Hood. A broad upper trough should settle over the region Sunday with post-frontal showers and low snow levels. The trough will begin to shift eastward into Monday with region settling into colder and drier northerly flow aloft.
Extended Weather
Olympics, Washington Cascades and Mt. Hood
Saturday Morning - Saturday Mid-dayLight rain and snow spreading inland from the Olympics in the morning to the Cascades and Mt. Hood by mid-day Saturday.
Saturday Afternoon - Saturday NightLight to moderate rain and snow becoming showers Saturday night.
SundayMostly cloudy with light to occasionally moderate snow showers. Colder.
Sunday Night - MondayShowers tapering off Sunday night. Partly cloudy with isolated showers on Monday.
Extended Snow/Freezing Levels
| Mt. Baker | Snoqualmie Pass | Mt. Hood | Easterly Flow * | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday Morning | Snow Level | 1000' - 2000' | 1500' - 2500' | 2500' - 3500' | * |
| Saturday Afternoon - Saturday Night | Snow Level | 2000' - 3000' | 2000' - 3000' | 3000' - 4000' | * |
| Sunday | Snow Level | 1500' - 2500' | 2000' - 3000' | 1500' - 2500' | |
| Sunday Night - Monday | Snow Level | 500' - 1500' | 500' - 1500' | 1000' - 2000' |
| Mt. Baker | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Saturday Morning |
Snow Level 1000' - 2000' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Saturday Afternoon - Saturday Night |
Snow Level 2000' - 3000' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Sunday |
Snow Level 1500' - 2500' |
| Sunday Night - Monday |
Snow Level 500' - 1500' |
| Snoqualmie Pass | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Saturday Morning |
Snow Level 1500' - 2500' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Saturday Afternoon - Saturday Night |
Snow Level 2000' - 3000' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Sunday |
Snow Level 2000' - 3000' |
| Sunday Night - Monday |
Snow Level 500' - 1500' |
| Mt. Hood | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Saturday Morning |
Snow Level 2500' - 3500' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Saturday Afternoon - Saturday Night |
Snow Level 3000' - 4000' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Sunday |
Snow Level 1500' - 2500' |
| Sunday Night - Monday |
Snow Level 1000' - 2000' |
* Easterly flow in the Cascade Passes can cause locally lower Snow or Freezing levels than areas further west.
Freezing Level is when no precipitation is forecast.
Jump to: Weather Forecast I Snow/Freezing Level I Precipitation I Free Winds 5k I Free Winds 9k I Extended Weather
Previous forecast from Dec 10, 2015
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