Northwest Daily Snow

Short Term Forecast

Snowpack Update and Season Recap:

Snowfall and snowpack have been well above average across Oregon this season, while Washington and Northern Idaho have ranged from slightly below average to slightly above average depending on location. Temperatures were also colder than normal overall this winter, which has also resulted in average snow levels being lower than normal. 

As of April 17th, snowpack (the amount of snow on the ground as measured by water content) is an impressive 150-200% of average across most of Oregon, which is telling for how good the skiing has been. 

Snowpack is 100-120% of average across the Central/Southern Washington Cascades, and 85-100% of average across the Olympics and Northern Cascades. Across the Inland Northwest, snowpack is about 90% of average across the Far Northern Idaho Panhandle, 100-110% of average in NE Washington and the Central ID Panhandle, and 130-140% of average across SE Washington.

So overall, it's been a good winter for much of the region and an exceptional winter across Oregon. 

For the region as a whole, the winter season started strong in November-December with a bit of a mid-winter lull followed by a strong finish during the second half of February, March, and April. Oregon especially had an incredible late season with heavy snow in March and early April.

Across Washington, December was the deepest month of the season in terms of snowfall while January was warmer and drier. February and March were colder and snowier compared to January but not quite as snowy overall compared to December.

The Inland Northwest had a very front-loaded winter with heavy snow in December, followed by lighter snow each month from January to March.

Recent Snow Totals:

New snowfall as of Monday AM included 18 inches of snow at Mt. Baker with lighter reports elsewhere. Keep in mind that many areas are either closed for the season entirely or are only open on weekends moving forward, so new snowfall reports are limited.

Here are the latest snow reports from areas that are reporting on Monday AM:

• 18" - Mt. Baker
• 6" - Alpental
• 6" - Timberline
• 3" - Mt. Bachelor
• 3" - Hoodoo
• 2" - Mt. Hood Meadows
• 1" - Snoqualmie West
• 1" - Crystal Mountain

Forecast for Monday to Tuesday:

The next storm is getting underway as of Monday afternoon, which will provide another shot of late-season powder to the Cascades. Let's dive into the details by region...

Western Washington:

Snow will pick back up again on Monday afternoon and continue off-and-on through Tuesday afternoon before tapering off to flurries on Tuesday night. Winds will also be moderate to strong both days, especially during the afternoons. A few lightning strikes also couldn't be ruled out.

Snow levels will start out around 3,000-3,500 feet on Monday afternoon, but a cold front will move through on Tuesday evening with snow levels falling to 500-1,000 feet on Monday night/Tuesday morning. Snow levels will rise to 2,000-3,000 feet on Tuesday afternoon.

Snow totals from Monday through Tuesday will range from 5-10 inches across the Cascades from Stevens Pass to White Pass while Mt. Baker will see heavier totals of 7-14 inches. On the east side of the Cascades, Mission Ridge will pick up 1-2 inches.

Oregon:

Snow will pick back up again on Monday afternoon and continue off-and-on through early Tuesday evening before tapering off to flurries on Tuesday night. Winds will also be moderate to strong both days, especially during the afternoons. A few lightning strikes also couldn't be ruled out.

Snow levels will start out around 3,000-4,000 feet on Monday afternoon, but a cold front will move through on Tuesday evening with snow levels falling to 500-1,000 feet on Monday night/Tuesday morning. Snow levels will rise to 2,000-3,000 feet on Tuesday afternoon.

Snow totals from Monday through Tuesday will range from 5-10 inches across the Cascades and 2-6 inches across the Blue/Wallowa Mountains.

Inland Northwest:

Snow showers will pick up in coverage and intensity on Monday night as a cold front moves through, before tapering off to scattered light snow showers/flurries during the day on Tuesday. Snow levels throughout this event from Monday night through Tuesday afternoon/evening will generally range from 2,000-3,000 feet.

Snow totals from Monday through Tuesday will generally range from 1-4 inches in areas above 3,000 feet.

Forecast for Wednesday to Friday:

Lingering moisture and instability will result in additional snow showers re-developing on Wednesday, mainly during the afternoon hours.

Snowfall will be more variable compared to prior days, but parts of the Cascades could still pick up a few inches, with Oregon looking more favored than Washington. Snow levels will be a little bit higher compared to Tuesday, but still near to below most ski resort base areas.

On Thursday, we will start to see a slight warming and drying trend though some isolated light snow showers will remain possible.

A further warming and drying trend is expected on Friday with increased sunshine and only a slight chance of some stray flurries/sprinkles for some areas.

Extended Forecast

Outlook for Saturday (April 22) to Sunday (April 23):

The weekend is looking a bit warmer and possibly wetter, though confidence is low in how things will shake out as models are in poor agreement.

On Saturday, the American GFS and Canadian Models are projecting warmer and drier conditions to prevail as high pressure builds in from the south. However, the European Model is projecting a storm riding over the top of the ridge to reach the Washington Cascades with rain showers possible.

On Sunday, rain chances look higher across the board as another system is expected to arrive, taking a more southerly track while a mild airmass remains in place.

Of the two days, Saturday looks like the nicer day at the moment, but make sure to keep up with mountain-specific forecasts as the week progresses.

Outlook for Late April:

A milder airmass may persist through about Monday (April 24th), then we are likely to see a cool down for most of next week with temperatures running below average once again.

In terms of precipitation chances, medium to long-range models are not showing any signals toward a wetter or drier pattern, with "near average" conditions expected. What that means is we will likely see some showery periods from time to time, but significant precipitation is not as likely and we may see some sunny breaks from time to time as well.

Summer Forecasts:

Don’t forget that every OpenSnow All-Access subscription is good for 365 days.

Summer & Fall Features

• Forecasts Anywhere on Earth
• Live & Forecast Radar
• Wildfire Smoke Forecast Maps
• Estimated Trail Conditions
• Hourly Lightning Forecasts
• Historical Weather
• Offline Satellite & Terrain Maps

That means you can use OpenSnow to track the freeze/thaw cycle for corn snow and peak-bagging this spring, avoid lightning and wildfire smoke this summer, escape to the desert next fall, and find every powder day next winter.

Also, I write the Western U.S. Daily Summit 3x/week during the summer months to cover weather for summer recreation such as hiking, biking, and climbing. 

Thank you so much for reading the Northwest Daily Snow this season and have a great summer!

ALAN SMITH 

Announcements

Projected Ski Resort Closing Dates:

Note: Some areas are now only open on weekends prior to closing for the season. Also, some ski areas may adjust their closing dates based on conditions. Check ski resort websites for the most accurate operating dates and hours. 

CLOSED for the Season (as of April 17):

Anthony Lakes

49º North

Mt. Spokane

Schweitzer

Mt. Hood Skibowl

Hoodoo

Bluewood

Lookout Pass

April 23rd:

Mt. Baker

Mt. Ashland

Willamette Pass

April 30th:

Mission Ridge

Stevens Pass

Summit at Snoqualmie

Alpental

White Pass

Silver Mountain

May 6th:

Mt. Hood Meadows

May 28th:

Mt. Bachelor

June 11th:

Crystal Mountain

Late Summer:

Timberline