Weather for the Northwest for early September

The extended forecast forecast models are in agreement as they bring a strong ridge of high pressure at the surface and aloft to the Northwest and the entire West Coast. The map below is for September 9 and this is the 500 mb map (at about 18,000 to 19,000 foot level) and you will notice a strong ridge of high pressure that covers the entire West Coast. This ridge brings warm and dry conditions for the Northwest. In fact some models suggest this warm and dry pattern continues through September 13.

Weather for the Northwest till early September

Forecast models continue the pattern of above average temperatures. The map below is the average position and height at the 500 mb level (18,000 to 19,000 feet). This supports the above average temperatures as a strong ridge of high pressure builds from the southwest and this brings dry and warm conditions to much of the west.

Weather Northwest 7 to 10 days

Issued August 17.
The map below is the average position and heights of the 500 mb level (usually found at 18,000 to 19,000 feet). This is the average position from August 24 to August 30 and this is a typical summer pattern for the West. Dry and warm conditions as we have a strong ridge of high pressure that will build in from the south and west.

Weather for Northwest 7 to 10 days out to August 19

The forecast for the period of August 15 to August 19 brings below average temperatures and above average precipitation. This pattern is represented by the average position of the 500 mb map below (at about 18,000 to 19,000 feet). The map continues the pattern that we have seen for most of this summer with a trough of low pressure off the West Coast. In fact forecast models suggest that this pattern continues through August 23. The main message with this forecast is below temperatures and precipitation should be limited given the time of year in which precipitation is generally light.

KUOW Hike of the Week

Updated Friday August 5, 2011, Thorp Mountain Lookout near Salmon La Sac. With a mostly sunny weekend in the forecast this lookout will offer great views of Mt. Rainier, Mount Stuart and Mount Daniel. Also lots of wildflowers, but they are at their peak now. Might still be a random snow patch near the top but most of the snow is gone. There are two trailheads to this lookout the most direct goes via Knox Creek Trail but road is narrow in places so your car might get a scratch or two from brushes. If that is an issue take option 2 trailhead which is a little longer hike.
Photo below is view of the Stuart Range

Photo below is view of Thorp Lake

Photo below is Thorp Lookout

Photo below is view of Cascades

Photo below is one of the many wildflowers

Thorp Mountain Lookout via Knox Creek Trail



Driving Directions:From Seattle drive east on I-90 to take exit 80. Go north on Salmon la Sac Road (State Route 903) about 15 miles and just past the upper end of the lake, turn left onto French Cabin Road (Forest Road 4308). Drive about 3.25 miles past FS 4312 and continue about 1.6 miles on FS 4308 and then turn right on FS Road 120 and proceed about 2 miles to the Knox Creek Trailhead on the right.
Trail Stats Knox Creek: Hike Knox Creek Trail number 1315.1 and go 1.3 miles then come to trail junction and turn right on trail number 1315 and go additional 1.2 miles to the lookout. Total 1654 foot elevation gain and the high point at 5854 feet. Total miles one way of 2.5 miles or 5 miles round trip
Directions and trail stats are our best estimate however please have a good local map and or a GPS unit

Option Two Thorp Mountain Lookout via Thorp Creek Trail

Driving Directions:From Seattle drive east on I-90 to take exit 80. Go north on Salmon la Sac Road (State Route 903) about 15 miles and just past the upper end of the lake, turn left onto French Cabin Road (Forest Road 4308). Drive about 3.25 miles turn right on FS 4312 and drive about 1.25 miles to FS 121 and park by gate. Walk a short distance to trail 1316.
Trail Stats Thorp Creek Trail: Hike Thorp Creek Trail number 1316 and go 3 miles and then come to trail junction and turn left on trail number 1315 and go additional 0.5 miles to the lookout. Total 2354 foot elevation gain and the high point at 5854 feet. Total miles one way of 3.5 miles or 7 miles round trip
Directions and trail stats are our best estimate however please have a good local map and or a GPS unit.
Photos by Michael Fagin

7 day forecast Northwest

A ridge of high pressure at the surface and aloft is set up over the Northwest and this will be the rule through at least August 10 and with this pattern dry and warm conditions can be expected. The map below (500 mb- at 18,000 to 19,000 foot level) is indicative of summer type for the West Coast as we have a strong ridge (labeled "H") off the coast of California.