Jump to: Weather Forecast I Snow/Freezing Level I Precipitation I Free Winds 5k I Free Winds 9k I Extended Weather
Weather Synopsis for Sunday & Sunday
Afternoon Update: Changes to the wind forecast Sunday night and Monday morning
A front moved through the Cascades early Sunday morning with blustery showers in SW flow following the frontal passage. After a decent shot of predominately rain along both the east and west slopes of the Cascades including Mt. Hood, snow levels should fluctuate between 3500-4000 feet along the west slopes and 4000-4500 feet along the east slopes on Sunday.
Precipitation will be convective in nature and the air mass will be unstable enough that there will be a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon.
A low pressure system will develop along the base of the longwave trough, roughly around the central Oregon coast late Sunday night and lift northeastward Monday morning. This should give a brief burst of light to moderate rain and snow at cool snow levels predominately for the south and central Cascades including Mt. Hood. The air mass will be unstable again on Monday afternoon, but unless there are substantial sunbreaks the chance of thunderstorms appears lower. A brief period of westerly flow Monday afternoon through early evening may cause a convergence zone to form around the Stevens Pass area before showers diminish Monday night.
Weather Forecast
Olympics
| Sunday |
Cloudy with light to occasionally moderate rain and snow showers. Winds moderating by late morning. Chance of an afternoon thunderstorm. Cooler. |
| Sunday Night |
Mostly cloudy with scattered light rain and snow showers. |
| Monday |
Mostly cloudy with scattered light to occasionally moderate rain and snow showers. |
| Monday Night |
Mostly cloudy becoming partly cloudy with light showers ending overnight. |
Washington Cascades near and west of the crest including Stevens, Snoqualmie, and White Passes
| Sunday |
Cloudy with light to occasionally moderate rain and snow showers. Winds moderating by late morning. Chance of an afternoon thunderstorm. Cooler. |
| Sunday Evening |
Mostly cloudy with scattered light rain and snow showers. |
| Sunday Night - Monday Morning |
Light to occasionally moderate rain and snow developing south Cascades overnight and spreading northward Monday morning. |
| Monday Afternoon - Monday Evening |
Mostly cloudy with scattered light to occasionally moderate rain and snow showers. Possible convergence zone Stevens Pass area Monday afternoon and evening. |
| Monday Night |
Mostly cloudy becoming partly cloudy with light showers ending overnight. |
East slopes of the Washington Cascades
| Sunday |
Cloudy with light rain and snow showers, occasionally moderate near the Cascade crest. Winds moderating by mid-day. Chance of an afternoon thunderstorm. Cooler. |
| Sunday Evening |
Parlty cloudy with isolated light rain and snow showers. |
| Sunday Night - Monday Morning |
Light to occasionally moderate rain and snow developing southeast Cascades overnight and spreading northward Monday morning. |
| Monday Afternoon |
Mostly cloudy with scattered light rain and snow showers. |
| Monday Night |
Mostly cloudy becoming partly cloudy with light showers ending overnight. |
Mt. Hood Area
| Sunday |
Cloudy with light to occasionally moderate rain and snow showers. Winds moderating in the afternoon. Chance of an afternoon thunderstorm. Cooler. |
| Sunday Evening |
Cloudy with scattered light rain and snow showers. |
| Sunday Night - Monday Morning |
Light to occasionally moderate rain and snow. |
| Monday Afternoon |
Mostly cloudy with scattered light to occasionally moderate rain and snow showers. |
| Monday Night |
Mostly cloudy becoming partly cloudy with light showers ending overnight. |
Issued: 2:36 PM PST Sunday, March 6, 2016
Snow/Freezing Level (ft)
| Hurricane Ridge | Mt. Baker | Washington Pass | Leavenworth | Stevens Pass | Snoqualmie Pass | Mt. Rainier, Crystal & White Pass | Mt. Hood | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Snow Level | 4000' | 3500' | 4500' | ' | ' | 4000' | ' | 4000' |
| Sunday Night | Snow Level | 2500' | 2500' | 2500' | ' | ' | 3000' | ' | 3000' |
| Monday | Snow Level | 3000' | 3000' | 3000' | ' | ' | 3000' | ' | 3000' |
| Monday Night | Snow Level | 2500' | 2000' | 1500' | ' | ' | 1500' | ' | 2000' |
| Hurricane Ridge | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Sunday |
Snow Level 4000' |
| Sunday Night |
Snow Level 2500' |
| Monday |
Snow Level 3000' |
| Monday Night |
Snow Level 2500' |
| Mt. Baker | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Sunday |
Snow Level 3500' |
| Sunday Night |
Snow Level 2500' |
| Monday |
Snow Level 3000' |
| Monday Night |
Snow Level 2000' |
| Washington Pass | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Sunday |
Snow Level 4500' |
| Sunday Night |
Snow Level 2500' |
| Monday |
Snow Level 3000' |
| Monday Night |
Snow Level 1500' |
| Leavenworth | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Sunday |
Snow Level ' |
| Sunday Night |
Snow Level ' |
| Monday |
Snow Level ' |
| Monday Night |
Snow Level ' |
| Stevens Pass | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Sunday |
Snow Level ' |
| Sunday Night |
Snow Level ' |
| Monday |
Snow Level ' |
| Monday Night |
Snow Level ' |
| Snoqualmie Pass | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Sunday |
Snow Level 4000' |
| Sunday Night |
Snow Level 3000' |
| Monday |
Snow Level 3000' |
| Monday Night |
Snow Level 1500' |
| Mt. Rainier & Crystal | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Sunday |
Snow Level ' |
| Sunday Night |
Snow Level ' |
| Monday |
Snow Level ' |
| Monday Night |
Snow Level ' |
| Mt. Hood | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Sunday |
Snow Level 4000' |
| Sunday Night |
Snow Level 3000' |
| Monday |
Snow Level 3000' |
| Monday Night |
Snow Level 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.
Precipitation Forecast
| Sunday | Sunday | |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane Ridge | 0.25 - 0.50 | LT 0.10 |
| Mt Baker Ski Area | 0.75 - 1.00 | 0.25 - 0.50 |
| Washington Pass | LT 0.25 | 0.25 - 0.50 |
| Stevens Pass | 0 - 0.50 | 0.50 - 0.75 |
| Snoqualmie Pass | 0 - 0.50 | 0.50 - 0.75 |
| Mission Ridge | LT 0.10 | LT 0.25 |
| Crystal Mt | 0.25 - 0.50 | LT 0.25 |
| Paradise | 0.75 - 1.00 | 0.50 - 0.75 |
| White Pass | 0 - 0.50 | 0 - 0.50 |
| Mt Hood Meadows | 0.75 - 1.00 | 0 - 0.50 |
| Timberline | 0 - 1.00 | 0.50 - 0.75 |
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: 2:36 PM PST Sunday, March 6, 2016
Free Winds at 5000' (mph)
| Hurricane Ridge | Mt. Baker | Stevens to Snoqualmie Pass | Mt. Rainier | Mt. Hood | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoon | SW 15 - 25 | S 15 - 25 | SW 15 - 25 | --- - | SW 15 - 25 |
| Sunday Night | S 0 - 10 | SE 0 - 10 | ESE 5 - 15 | --- - | ESE 10 - 20 |
| Monday Morning | W 5 - 15 | E 0 - 10 | ESE 10 - 20 | --- - | W 15 - 25 |
| Monday Afternoon - Monday Night | WSW 5 - 15 | WSW 5 - 15 | W 10 - 20 | --- - | WSW 15 - 25 |
| Monday Mid-day | W 10 - 20 | SW 5 - 15 | WSW 15 - 30 | --- - | W 10 - 20 |
| Hurricane Ridge | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoon | SW 15 - 25 |
| Sunday Night | S 0 - 10 |
| Monday Morning | W 5 - 15 |
| Monday Afternoon - Monday Night | WSW 5 - 15 |
| Monday Mid-day | W 10 - 20 |
| Mt. Baker | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoon | S 15 - 25 |
| Sunday Night | SE 0 - 10 |
| Monday Morning | E 0 - 10 |
| Monday Afternoon - Monday Night | WSW 5 - 15 |
| Monday Mid-day | SW 5 - 15 |
| Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoon | SW 15 - 25 |
| Sunday Night | ESE 5 - 15 |
| Monday Morning | ESE 10 - 20 |
| Monday Afternoon - Monday Night | W 10 - 20 |
| Monday Mid-day | WSW 15 - 30 |
| Mt. Rainier | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoon | --- - |
| Sunday Night | --- - |
| Monday Morning | --- - |
| Monday Afternoon - Monday Night | --- - |
| Monday Mid-day | --- - |
| Mt. Hood | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoon | SW 15 - 25 |
| Sunday Night | ESE 10 - 20 |
| Monday Morning | W 15 - 25 |
| Monday Afternoon - Monday Night | WSW 15 - 25 |
| Monday Mid-day | W 10 - 20 |
| Hurricane Ridge | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoon | SW 15 - 25 |
| Sunday Night | S 0 - 10 |
| Monday Morning | W 5 - 15 |
| Monday Afternoon - Monday Night | WSW 5 - 15 |
| Monday Mid-day | W 10 - 20 |
| Mt. Baker | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoon | S 15 - 25 |
| Sunday Night | SE 0 - 10 |
| Monday Morning | E 0 - 10 |
| Monday Afternoon - Monday Night | WSW 5 - 15 |
| Monday Mid-day | SW 5 - 15 |
| Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoon | SW 15 - 25 |
| Sunday Night | ESE 5 - 15 |
| Monday Morning | ESE 10 - 20 |
| Monday Afternoon - Monday Night | W 10 - 20 |
| Monday Mid-day | WSW 15 - 30 |
| Mt. Rainier | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoon | --- - |
| Sunday Night | --- - |
| Monday Morning | --- - |
| Monday Afternoon - Monday Night | --- - |
| Monday Mid-day | --- - |
| Mt. Hood | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoon | SW 15 - 25 |
| Sunday Night | ESE 10 - 20 |
| Monday Morning | W 15 - 25 |
| Monday Afternoon - Monday Night | WSW 15 - 25 |
| Monday Mid-day | W 10 - 20 |
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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoon | SW 20 - 30 | SW 15 - 25 | SW 20 - 30 | --- - | SW 25 - 35 |
| Sunday Night | SW 10 - 20 | SW 10 - 20 | S 10 - 20 | --- - | SE 35 - 45 |
| Monday Morning | SW 15 - 25 | S 15 - 25 | SW 20 - 30 | --- - | W 30 - 40 |
| Monday Afternoon - Monday Night | W 10 - 20 | WNW 10 - 20 | W 15 - 30 | --- - | W 20 - 30 |
| Mt. Baker | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoon | SW 20 - 30 |
| Sunday Night | SW 10 - 20 |
| Monday Morning | SW 15 - 25 |
| Monday Afternoon - Monday Night | W 10 - 20 |
| Washington Pass | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoon | SW 15 - 25 |
| Sunday Night | SW 10 - 20 |
| Monday Morning | S 15 - 25 |
| Monday Afternoon - Monday Night | WNW 10 - 20 |
| Stevens and Snoqualmie Pass | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoon | SW 20 - 30 |
| Sunday Night | S 10 - 20 |
| Monday Morning | SW 20 - 30 |
| Monday Afternoon - Monday Night | W 15 - 30 |
| Mt. Rainier | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoon | --- - |
| Sunday Night | --- - |
| Monday Morning | --- - |
| Monday Afternoon - Monday Night | --- - |
| Mt. Hood | Direction - Speed |
|---|---|
| Sunday Afternoon | SW 25 - 35 |
| Sunday Night | SE 35 - 45 |
| Monday Morning | W 30 - 40 |
| Monday Afternoon - Monday Night | W 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: 2:36 PM PST Sunday, March 6, 2016
Extended Weather Synopsis for Sunday night through Sunday
The mean upper level trough positioned in the NE Pacific will continue to drive systems into the PNW every day or so through the extended period and looking out even further into the middle of March.
A weaker Pacific frontal system will approach on Tuesday and quickly pass through Tuesday night. Of greater interest is the weather system that will develop along the old frontal zone late Tuesday into Wednesday and lift NE across the Washington Cascades. Previous forecast models had shown an atmospheric river event, but latest forecast guidance suggests that the heavier precipitation will be short lived and snow levels will only rise modestly later Wednesday. Thursday appears to be a break between weather systems.
Extended Weather
Olympics, Washington Cascades near and west of the crest including Stevens, Snoqualmie, and White Passes
Increasing clouds with light rain and snow developing over the Olympics early afternoon and spreading inland.
Light to occasionally moderate rain and snow becoming light showers overnight.
Moderate rain and snow with a warming trend.
Mostly cloudy with light to occasionally moderate rain and snow showers tapering off during the day Thursday. Cooler.
Extended Snow/Freezing Levels
| Mt. Baker | Snoqualmie Pass | Mt. Hood | Easterly Flow * | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | Snow Level | 2500' - 3500' | 2500' - 3500' | 3000' - 4000' | |
| Tuesday Night - Wednesday Morning | Snow Level | 2000' - 3000' | 2500' - 3500' | 4000' - 5000' | |
| Wednesday Afternoon | Snow Level | 4000' - 5000' | 3500' - 5000' | 6000' - 7000' | * |
| Wednesday Night - Thursday | Snow Level | 3500' - 4500' | 3500' - 4500' | 5000' - 6000' |
| Mt. Baker | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Tuesday |
Snow Level 2500' - 3500' |
| Tuesday Night - Wednesday Morning |
Snow Level 2000' - 3000' |
| Wednesday Afternoon |
Snow Level 4000' - 5000' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Wednesday Night - Thursday |
Snow Level 3500' - 4500' |
| Snoqualmie Pass | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Tuesday |
Snow Level 2500' - 3500' |
| Tuesday Night - Wednesday Morning |
Snow Level 2500' - 3500' |
| Wednesday Afternoon |
Snow Level 3500' - 5000' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Wednesday Night - Thursday |
Snow Level 3500' - 4500' |
| Mt. Hood | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Tuesday |
Snow Level 3000' - 4000' |
| Tuesday Night - Wednesday Morning |
Snow Level 4000' - 5000' |
| Wednesday Afternoon |
Snow Level 6000' - 7000' (Easterly Flow *) |
| Wednesday Night - Thursday |
Snow Level 5000' - 6000' |
* 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 Mar 6, 2016
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