Hello Powder Alert Fans,

 

  • Friday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of light snow at 4000'
  • Saturday: Mostly cloudy with a chance of light snow at 4000', best chance late in the day
  • Sunday: Snow 2 to 4" at 4000'
  • Monday: Mostly cloudy to partly cloudy with light snow at Baker

Short Term Discussion

 

Hello skiers and snowboarders,

 

On Friday the main part of the storm track will be to our south, and with this pattern, we can expect some light snow perhaps 1". Saturday and Sunday, an area of low pressure will move into the Cascades. This will bring snow of 2 to 4" at 4000' and is reflected in the map below.

 

The graph below is for Stampede Pass at 4000' and just east of Snoqualmie. This graph shows 3 to 4" of cumulative snow by early Monday. Most of this snow will occur on Sunday. Sunday should be a great powder day. Monday it will warm up with snow levels at 5000' and the best chance of precipitation near Mt. Baker.

 

Check out the extended outlook.

Extended Outlook

 

The map below shows that the snowpack was below normal for Washington. This type of pattern is to be expected when El Nino is in place during the winter. Interesting that much of Oregon had above normal snowpack. Snowpack is not snow on the ground, but snow measured in snow water equivalent. This is mainly used by water management agencies. However, it is a good general measure of snow coverage for ski areas.

 

Later this month Meteorologist Larry Schick, The Grand Poobah of Powder, will have good news for next winter. La Niña should be on the way and that usually brings us abundant snowfall.

 

The extended outlook for April 11 to April 17 is suggesting above normal temperatures. This is the result of an upper level ridge of high pressure building. We will see if this outlook continues and update with our next powder alert on Sunday, April 7. 

 

Prepared by Meteorologist Michael Fagin 

 

Forward this to a Powder friend.

Crystal Mountain: Loyal subscriber and Crystal Mtn Ambassador, Chelsea Wilde found untouched powder early in the week. I (Andrea) skied Wednesday and will be on the hill today for more turns. Decent coverage, mostly runs on Forest Queen as visibility at the top was not great. It's been snowing on and off since last night. Feels fluffy. Stayed at the Alpine Inn in a really nice corner room with a view of the gondola. Make sure to book your season finale or plan in advance for the primo rooms. For dinner I recommend the Hungarian Goulash.

 

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