POWDER ALERT- CASCADES AND COASTAL BC
Very active pattern is setting up for the PNW over the next 5 days. The snow levels will be rising with each system initially and dropping behind the frontal passages. Wet snow is likely on the onset of each system (Some mixed at the bases) turning to all snow including pass levels later. This should provide good turning conditions especially late Sunday/Monday as well as Tuesday PM. Oregon will see slightly lower amounts.
Moderate snow will be falling over the higher elevations of Whistler by early morning Sunday. Expect 4-9 inches by 3PM (Windy). Additional snow is likely Sunday night (1-4 decreasing winds). Light snow in the Cascades turns heavy by 12 Noon Sunday. Winds increase significantly Sunday so expect lift issues at wind prone areas up high. Snow levels fall as low as 2,000 feet on Sunday night (Blower on top of dense from Sunday). Mount Baker will log higher amounts than the south. Expect the storm total from Sunday to Monday in the 9-14 inch range. Stevens (7-10), Crystal (5-10). I like Sunday PM and Monday AM best (Wind issues might keep terrain closed Sunday and fresh for Monday).
Another system provides deeper moisture (1-2 inches of water) Tuesday-Wednesday. That system has good potential for significant snow at upper elevations from Whistler through to the Cascades in Washington. Snow levels will rise Tuesday morning and fall behind the front late. Expect a variety of conditions terrain and elevation dependent. Whistler may benefit from higher elevations at the summit. Snow will turn showery by Wednesday morning (Good quality on top of dense snow). Interior BC will reap leftovers with moderate snowfall likely this week. Weekly totals may be decent in the interior however no single deep event? (My confidence in the interior is less as some weakening noted).
The pipeline of moisture continues again Thursday (Lighter amounts) and into the end of the week. Details will follow on the late week storms in another post.
Chases: Sunday – Whistler,
Sunday PM- Whistler (Wind issues upper mountain), Baker, Stevens, Crystal
Monday- Opening terrain from Sunday wind closures (Whistler, Crystal, Stevens)
Tuesday-Wednesday (Whistler, Crystal for higher elevations).
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