A series of storms will impact the northwestern regions of the United States, and continue to elevate the snow buildup on the high terrains of the Cascades and the Olympics. The system will also produce periodic high altitude snow in the Siskiyous and northern Sierra Nevada. The brunt of this weather barrage will be inflicted on Washington and the southern parts of British Columbia. Starting this weekend, the majority of the rainfall and snow on low-lying terrains will be an outcome of a moderate atmospheric river.
The expectation is that by Saturday evening, rainfall varying between 0.75 and 1.50 inches will drench the regions along the Interstate 5 corridor, covering Washington and Oregon. The northern area of Washington is expected to bear the brunt of this inclement weather. The intensity of the rainfall may provoke instances of flash flooding and accumulation of water on primary roadways, especially those with inadequate drainage systems.
Increased levels of precipitation, as much as 3 inches, are predicted along the coastal areas of Washington and Oregon. Similar figures are also anticipated for the lower west-facing slopes of the Cascades, Coast Ranges, and the Siskiyous. In areas such as the Cascades and the more elevated regions of the Olympics, the snowfall ranges, generally, between 1 to 3 feet, forecasted until the end of Saturday.
Stevens and Snoqualmie Passes are predicted to be particularly challenging for travel due to heavy snowfall, potentially causing temporary road closures. It is possible for snow to fall at a rate of 1 to 2 inches per hour. The total snowfall until Sunday evening is expected to rise between 10 and 20 inches at Stevens Pass, and at Snoqualmie Pass, between 8 and 16 inches.
In the Oregon Cascades, however, the snowfall numbers are predicted to dwindle somewhat. Deeper inland areas such as the Clearwater, Bitterroot, and Blue ranges will witness snowfall, ranging between 6 to 12 inches throughout the weekend. Some areas with ridges and peaks can potentially receive higher amounts.
Snow levels across the region are forecasted to rise significantly from Sunday to Monday. The regions reported to be the wettest between Friday and early Monday stand the chance of receiving up to 4 inches of rainfall. Along the I-5 corridor, rainfall is anticipated to measure up to a couple of inches.
The region extending east from the Cascades to the Snake River Basin is in store for spells of rainfall, predominantly prevalent in areas lying at lower altitudes. Higher altitudes, however, are expected to witness a mixture of rain and snow until the beginning of Monday.
The region is likely to experience a respite from the storms from Monday to Wednesday of the coming week. During this period, there may be some sunshine and increase in temperatures, resulting in prominent snowmelt at the mid-level elevations, including at pass levels.
The sudden increase in temperature and associated snowmelt might induce instability in the region, escalating the chances of rockslides. In the highlands, it carries with it the potential to raise the risk of avalanches as well. As the week moves forward, starting Wednesday night, the coastline of Washington, Oregon, and perhaps Northern California, will encounter the new storm bringing showers and windy conditions.
The subsequent system will deliver several bouts of moisture inland. As a result, lower terrains will face repeated instances of rainfall, while the mountainous regions will be laden with more snow for the latter part of the week and into the weekend.
A significant portion of the storm is expected to hover over the Gulf of Alaska. This could incite volatile sea conditions with churning seas and high coastal waves for an extended period coupled with strong winds. There is a chance for a large-scale spell of rain, snow, and wind to be thrust upon the shore as the weather pattern continues to change.
In comparison with the historical averages since Dec 1, Seattle and Tacoma, Washington, have recorded a few inches less of rainfall. In contrast, places like Portland and Eugene, Oregon, and Vancouver, British Columbia, have seen totals close to their average figures.
On the flip side, The Dalles and Medford, Oregon, alongside Spokane, Washington, have experienced above-average rainfall levels. Seattle’s average precipitation from the commencement of December until March 20 usually revolves around 18 inches. Meanwhile, Medford typically averages about 9.40 inches during this same period.
Despite the prevalent active weather pattern, no significant rainfall or snowfall is expected to affect Southern California in the upcoming week.
Ultimately, the Northern Pacific will remain a lively sphere with a succession of storms steering a generous amount of moisture into the United States. Meanwhile, the southern parts of the country, such as Southern California, are likely to remain unaffected during the same period.
The post Winter Storm Battery: Northwestern US Braces for High Snow Buildup appeared first on Real News Now.
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