Weather Washington Cascades: Extended Outlook

Updated 1-14-2017
The extended outlook starting 1-21 and continuing to at least 1-24 is the return to cooler conditions as troughs of low pressure drop down from the Gulf of Alaska. Thus for the period 1-21 to probably till the end of the month is for below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation. Thus we should start to add to the snowpack again.

At 500 mb (18,000') shows trough of low pressure off the coast

 

Click to check out our forensic & custom weather services

Fagin's Hike of the Week- Mailbox

Updated 1-15-2017
 This is a very popular hike and because of all of the traffic the snow is packed down so one does not need snowshoes but micro-spikes were a must especially going up the ice covered old trail. We went up the old trail to the boulder field and then back down the new trail.

Mt Rainer shines

View to the west from near the top

Lots of traffic on the trail and no need for snowshoes

On the way down on the new trail

Mt. Rainier from the top

Summit George- Jay-Paul (left to right)

Driving Directions: Take exit 34 from I-90. Head north on 468th Ave SE for approximately half a mile until the intersection with the SE Middle Fork Road. Turn right onto the Middle Fork Road. Follow SE Middle Fork Road 2.2 miles to the stop sign at the junction with SE Dorothy Lake Road. Head left onto SE Middle Fork Road and drive .3 miles. Trail lot is on the left but it was gated when we went there.
Trail stats: Up the old trail to boulder field and down new trail total about 7.6 miles roundtrip. Elevation gain was about 3200'


Custom Weather  Services from Weather Experts

Click to check out our forensic & custom weather services

Email us West Coast Weather Contact us


Disclaimer: There are many factors which you should consider in deciding whether to proceed with an outing, including the visible weather at the trailhead, the strength and experience of the party, snow and avalanche conditions, route conditions, etc. You are the final decision maker whether to proceed. West Coast Weather, LLC dba Washington Online Weather cannot be held liable for loss or injury arising from your decision to proceed, and expressly disclaims all liability related thereto. Redmond, Washington USA. Also, please bring map-compass and GPS to help with trail directions as our directions are our best estimate.

Fagin's Hike-Ski-Snowshoe of the Week- Cold Creek

Issued January 10, 2017

This at located at Snoq Pass at the Nordic Center
This is normally groomed and open Friday through Sunday and holidays. However we skied on a Monday it was just groomed on Sunday so that was helpful. You can ski or snowshoe this and we went up to Windy Pass which offers great views. Seems like lots of folks ski or snowshoe on weekdays here.

At Windy Pass view of Granite

Another view  from Windy Pass The Tooth rocky one

At start of ski view of Keechelus Lake

Much of the trail has a  gentle slope  except last mile

Part way up Jim and George take break

Trails stats: Take the Cold Creek trail.
This is 10 miles roundtrip if you go to Windy Pass.

Driving directions: From Seattle take Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass to exit 54. Exit I-90, turn right and go to the end of the Hyak Parking Lot and walk to the Milwaukee Lodge which is at the start of the trail.


Custom Weather  Services from Weather Experts

Click to check out our forensic & custom weather services

Email us West Coast Weather Contact us


Disclaimer: There are many factors which you should consider in deciding whether to proceed with an outing, including the visible weather at the trailhead, the strength and experience of the party, snow and avalanche conditions, route conditions, etc. You are the final decision maker whether to proceed. West Coast Weather, LLC dba Washington Online Weather cannot be held liable for loss or injury arising from your decision to proceed, and expressly disclaims all liability related thereto. Redmond, Washington USA. Also, please bring map-compass and GPS to help with trail directions as our directions are our best estimate.

Weather Washington Cascades- Extended Outlook

Issued 1-10-2017

After the cool and dry pattern for this Wednesday through Saturday(perhaps Sunday)  we will start to have some changes starting next week. The storm track and wet conditions that have been impacting California will start to shift into Washington. So next Tuesday  through next Thursday 1-19-2017 we will have normal to above normal temperatures and above normal precipitation. The map below indicates a zonal flow (from west to east) that will bring storms into our region.

500 mb map (18,000') showing a westerly upper flow


Custom Weather  Services from Weather Experts

Click to check out our forensic & custom weather services

Email us West Coast Weather Contact us

Fagin's Hike- Ski/Snowshoe of the Week- Gold Creek

Updated 1-3-2017
Gold Creek at Snoq Pass is a very popular spot to ski or snowshoe. If you go on a weekend make sure you get an early start to get parking.

Our turnaround point at about 3 miles

View to the north from about 3 miles in

Most of the trail has a very-very gentle grade

Gold Creek

George (on left) and Jim enjoy the cozy break in cabin near Creek

Driving directions: From Seattle take Interstate 90 over Snoqualmie Pass to exit 54. Exit I-90, turn left, and cross under the freeway and then turn right. Go about 1/4 mile and park.

Trail stats: Here is the map  
You can follow road FS 144 ( some signs marked "Gold Creek") that follows the summer Gold Creek Trail which is above Gold Creek. We went in about 3 miles (thus 6 miles roundtirp) and there were skiers and folks snowshoeing .Make sure you have a good map.


Custom Weather  Services from Weather Experts

Click to check out our forensic & custom weather services

Email us West Coast Weather Contact us


Disclaimer: There are many factors which you should consider in deciding whether to proceed with an outing, including the visible weather at the trailhead, the strength and experience of the party, snow and avalanche conditions, route conditions, etc. You are the final decision maker whether to proceed. West Coast Weather, LLC dba Washington Online Weather cannot be held liable for loss or injury arising from your decision to proceed, and expressly disclaims all liability related thereto. Redmond, Washington USA. Also, please bring map-compass and GPS to help with trail directions as our directions are our best estimate.

Weather Washington Cascades: Extended Outlook

Issued 1-3-2017

Forecast models continue to bring below normal temperatures and above normal snow.  However starting this weekend temperatures and into next week temperatures start to  moderate some. This is because we will start to get a more zonal flow (from west to east-map below ). This flow is warmer than what we have now but will still bring mountain snow.

500 mb map (18,000') show zonal flow for 1-13-2017

 

Custom Weather  Services from Weather Experts

Click to check out our forensic & custom weather services

Email us West Coast Weather Contact us 
Many of our custom forecasts can be obtained for only $25.

Fagin's Hike (Ski) of the Week: Cabin Creek

Issued 12-29-2016

About 10 miles east of Snoq Pass Cabin Creek this is a very popular cross country system with close to 10 miles of groomed trails. There is not a shortage of fresh snow from this week so enjoy.

Cool and sunny weather

Trails go next to the forest

Ron about to enjoy hot tea and lunch

Old fashion- black & white

Driving Directions: From Seattle take I-90 east to exit 63, Cabin Creek and turn right and park.

Trail Stats: Ski as much as you want or just a short loop or 2. You will need to purchase a pass to ski

Custom Weather  Services from Weather Experts

Click to check out our forensic & custom weather services

Email us West Coast Weather Contact us


Disclaimer: There are many factors which you should consider in deciding whether to proceed with an outing, including the visible weather at the trailhead, the strength and experience of the party, snow and avalanche conditions, route conditions, etc. You are the final decision maker whether to proceed. West Coast Weather, LLC dba Washington Online Weather cannot be held liable for loss or injury arising from your decision to proceed, and expressly disclaims all liability related thereto. Redmond, Washington USA. Also, please bring map-compass and GPS to help with trail directions as our directions are our best estimate.