In the past several days long term models have come into consensus advertising an end to the ridge over the west. Moisture will continue to stream into the Pacific northwest this week with cooling expected early next week. Washington State set a record yesterday at 70 degrees in Seattle (latest date in the year on record to hit 70 degrees). The last record was November 4th, 1949 at 74 degrees. A warm wet system hits the BC Coast and PNW Friday/Friday night followed by a cooler system Sunday/Monday. Snow should be falling over higher elevations of Whistler, interior BC, Cascades, and eventually extend towards the Sierra by the middle of next week. Snow levels will remain high but much lower than what we have seen in the past several weeks where rain/snow has been falling on the summits of most mountain areas in Canada and the PNW. The Rockies get action by mid next week!



What I like: Finally colder air sinks down from northern Canada into the lower 48 dropping temps next week. The blocking ridge over the west appears to breaking down according to long term models. The unknown: While more moisture is likely for the Sierra and Rockies its too far out to forecast amounts. Long term maps show a continued break down of the ridge (Uncertain on total moisture but optimistic).

“Snow next week is likely for the Cascades, Sierra, Wasatch, Tetons, central/northern Idaho, Montana, and a good portion of Colorado”. Currently models indicate a low end moderate dump (4-7) with possible higher amounts in the northern Sierra, central Idaho, and Montana.

The Cascades from Oregon into Washington could do well at the summits. Whistler may do well Sunday/Monday?

Low pressure and cold front pushing in to the Rockies Wed/Thur. Map: Meteo- Star

Caution: We are looking out 7 days so amounts and exact tracks will be updated on a later forecast.

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