Monday, February 2, 2009

More Snow for the Mountains and Rain for Lowlands?

Please visit this site every Friday as we plan to post our weekend Cascade forecasts.
Click here for current local radar
Will the Snow Return to the Mountains.




Extended forecast
















The recent dry pattern might come to an end soon. Since January 13 Seattle rainfall has been less than 7% of normal. So many people that want rain and or mountain snow might be happy of the trends that we are seeing. The above map is for Sunday 2-8-09 and this indicates an upper level low off (this is 500 mb map at about 18,000 feet) the Washington Coast.This will swing inland and bring snow to the mountains and rain to the lowlands. Several forecast models agree on this so high level of confidence on this forecast. In fact forecast models bring another upper low in on Tuesday 2-10. Thus for Sunday 2-8-09 through Tuesday 2-10 we can expect above average precipation and below normal temperatures. What happens after Tuesday 2-10? That will bring an interesting challenge. Several forecast models indicate below average temperatures and below average precipation for 2-15 till 2-28. However, that is an extended forecast so lower confidence in that
















Mountain Weather Seminar March 31
At the Seattle Mountaineers Clubhouse, No registration necessary. No fee. Members and non-members welcome. Weather is the biggest limiting factor for outdoor recreation in our marine climate. Understanding and -- more important -- predicting our mountain weather is a critical skill. Come learn from an expert. Mike Fagin is founder of Washington Online Weather (www.wowweather.com), a Mountaineers Alpine Scramble grad and a professional weather forecaster. Mike will give us an overview of "machinery" of western Washington weather - what forces give us wet or dry conditions? He will share his favorite sources of accurate mountain forecasts to check before leaving home. Then he will talk about forecasting in the field. What do various cloud formations portend? Does that shift of wind direction mean anything? Is that gray sky OK or is it time to turn tail and scat? If it's wet here, will it be better east of the passes? Mike Fagin forecasts not only in our area but also for major Himalayan expeditions. Reduce your mountain misery quotient. Learn skills to help you keep dry and happy.
Location: The Mountaineers
7700 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98115

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