Northwest Daily Snow
By Larry Schick, Forecaster Posted 7 years ago December 7, 2016
Deep Freeze, then Fabulous Powder Days
Summary
Great ready, get set...we are lining up for another good powder cycle in the Cascades. We have very cold modified arctic air in place. Then a new storm comes in late Thursday, with moderate snow and the snow continues into the weekend, but easing up at times. Snow levels to rise a bit from current rock bottom( sea level), but only a little, providing fine quality and respectable qualities of snow for memorable powder skiing ahead..
Short Term Forecast
Expect a cold, mostly sunny day Wednesday, as we are under the influence of dry chilly air, with winds coming from the northeast. The dry weather will continue into early Thursday.
A new weather system moves in later in the day on Thursday. There will be some minor snow for the lowlands in the transition to slightly milder air and more moist air. The current snow level (SL) is near sea level, but will rise to 1000 ft. There is a trace to a four or more inches possible, late Thursday for Seattle and the lowlands as the snow level rises just a bit. The WA and OR Cascades will get the most snow from this pattern. The best thing is the snow levels will remain low near 1000-1500ft through the weekend and that means snow for all slope elevations and great quality snow.
Friday will be excellent (new 7-15”, maybe more), but it might be icy, snowy on the roadway,even near sea level, driving to the slopes. Snow level will stay low, as a result champagne quality snow is possible. Be careful driving up, but it will be very good with new snow falling during the day.
Extended Forecast
Saturday will see more new snow (SL 1000 ft, 4-13” new), then a pause by afternoon. Expect addtional snow on Sunday (3-8”). I would target all days with good skiing, starting Friday, consider low snow levels and new snow levels - but I would target Saturday, given a choice.
Graphic below shows healthy 24 hr new snowfall totals Saturday morning, with more than a foot of new in spots.Oregon Cascades do very well too, Bachelor and Hood will see possible epic conditions.
Larry Schick
Open Snow NW
Announcements
The Summit is now open. Add Hurricane Ridge and Mission to the open list! All areas will get significant snow from this storm cycle. Most ski areas are now open. Check websites for details