I am finally starting to see changes in our weather pattern. The new pattern has snow potential and may stick around for few days. However, its not the epic snowfall we need to open but its a start!
The blocking high pressure is weakening and a progressive line of several storms are lining up. You can see outside today (Friday), the first storm, which has now mostly moved through the area. The weather today favors the North Cascades and BC (Baker/Whistler) and will produce moderate snow levels of 5,000-6,000 ft which means snow on the higher slopes today. There will also be a convergence zone in the central Cascades later today, which will favor Stevens and possibly the Summit.
Unfortunately, I think we will see more rain than snow in the mountains through the weekend. The snow level goes up to 9,000 ft on Sunday for all rain. But by next Monday and Tuesday, the snowfall will increase with the snow level dropping (3,000-4,000ft). New snow (4-9 plus) will cover most slopes. We generally need 3 - 5 ft to open.
There may be a pause after that early week storm cycle for a couple of days. It is unclear what will happen after that - but there is a chance of stronger storms. That is totally speculative at this point, as accuracy drops off after 5-7 days. But heck, I gotta hope.
Right now we are starting with almost no snow in the Cascades except for a little on the higher slopes and snowmaking (Crystal). By late next week, I might have an idea if any areas will be open by Thanksgiving weekend.
As Ive been saying the second half of November is often more reliable for storms. Lets hope this November lives up to that expectation and delivers the goods.
The blocking high pressure is weakening and a progressive line of several storms are lining up. You can see outside today (Friday), the first storm, which has now mostly moved through the area. The weather today favors the North Cascades and BC (Baker/Whistler) and will produce moderate snow levels of 5,000-6,000 ft which means snow on the higher slopes today. There will also be a convergence zone in the central Cascades later today, which will favor Stevens and possibly the Summit.
Unfortunately, I think we will see more rain than snow in the mountains through the weekend. The snow level goes up to 9,000 ft on Sunday for all rain. But by next Monday and Tuesday, the snowfall will increase with the snow level dropping (3,000-4,000ft). New snow (4-9 plus) will cover most slopes. We generally need 3 - 5 ft to open.
There may be a pause after that early week storm cycle for a couple of days. It is unclear what will happen after that - but there is a chance of stronger storms. That is totally speculative at this point, as accuracy drops off after 5-7 days. But heck, I gotta hope.
Right now we are starting with almost no snow in the Cascades except for a little on the higher slopes and snowmaking (Crystal). By late next week, I might have an idea if any areas will be open by Thanksgiving weekend.
As Ive been saying the second half of November is often more reliable for storms. Lets hope this November lives up to that expectation and delivers the goods.
