Mountain Weather Forecast

Weather Synopsis

A developing low pressure system and warm front passed over the area last night, with milder air pushing further north and east than originally forecasted. While this won't change the type of precipitation in the mountains (except for Mt Hood), this is an all snow event, we have seen temperatures near and west of the Cascade rise into the 20s in many locations. This relatively milder air will stick around until a strong cold front comes crashing down this afternoon. Cold air remains entrenched along the east slopes of the Cascades, an only a very subtle warming trend is expected north of Hwy 2 and east of Washington Pass. Precipitation numbers remain largely on track, although they have been nudged up for several locations this morning.  

Snow will continue today, with snowfall rates peaking for the northern Cascades this morning, the central/southern WA Cascades this afternoon, and the Mt Hood area late this afternoon through early evening. The aforementioned warming trend will bring a modest rise in snow levels from about Snoqualmie Pass and the south Washington Cascades, with the peak warmth towards the early evening for the Mt. Hood area. Snowfall totals of 1.5-2.5' seem likely across the area. 

Strong westerly winds will pummel the central/south WA Cascades and Mt Hood today, with extreme winds expected in the alpine. Low-level easterly flow in the Passes will eventually be reversed early Tuesday afternoon. 

As the front slides through Tuesday evening, the focus of the rain/snow will shift to Mt Hood.  A weak Puget Sound Convergence zone should add a few more inches between Stevens and Snoqualmie, but showers will become lighter and more scattered after midnight. 

Arctic air will resettle on both sides of the Cascades on Wednesday as we dry out. Expect low clouds near and east of the Cascade crest with perhaps a few flurries. We'll wait until Wednesday night for east winds to ramp up through the Passes.