As an atmospheric river forms in the Pacific, the west coast is looking down the barrel of a huge precipitation event that in addition to big snow totals on its higher peaks, could mean flooding and devastation for parts of the PNW and northern California.
Related:Â 50-70 INCHES OF SNOW FORECASTED FOR MOUNT RAINIER | THE UNOFFICIAL POW
The leftovers of Typhoon Songda near Japan continues to fuel the AR with moisture that is now making the 4,000 mile journey across the Pacific before landing smack dab in the middle of the west coast.
“Interesting setup for the West Coast this weekend with an “atmospheric river” shaping up. Plus, the remnants of Typhoon Songda will also take part in this wet dance. Places like Lake Tahoe, Mount Rainier and Mount Shasta are in for some heavy, wet snow.” – Chris Tomer, OnTheSnow
The storm will come in warm, delivering FEET of snow to the peaks above 10,000 feet before leaving cold limited snowfall amounts at the lower elevations (look out Tahoe ski areas…).
The west coast is set to see precipitation all the way through Tuesday of the upcoming week and could mean welcome relief for California resevoirs leading into the winter.
Projected Snowfall Totals For The High Peaks
- Shasta – 85″
- Rainier – 70″
- Hood – 45″
NOAA: Mount Hood Forecast
NOAA: Mount Shasta Forecast
Follow OnTheSnow‘s mountain meteorologist here: Chris Tomer