"A warm front is currently pushing into the region, bringing an initial round of precipitation that will transition into a stronger, colder system by Friday night. Thursday sees high snow levels, hovering around 6,000-8,000 feet in Oregon and 3,500-5,000 feet in Washington, meaning precipitation will likely start as rain or heavy, wet snow at most base areas. Winds will be a significant factor, particularly at higher elevations like Timberline and Bachelor, where gusts could scream upwards of 70-80 mph, likely impacting lift operations."
"By Friday night, a cold front sweeps through, dropping snow levels to a more skier-friendly 3,000-4,000 feet. This Friday night through Saturday window offers the best quality turns of the forecast period, especially for Stevens Pass (opening Friday) and Whistler. Expect SLRs to improve into the 8-10:1 range during this time, providing a denser but supportable layer of fresh snow compared to the cement falling earlier in the week."
"Sunday brings a second wave of moisture, though snow levels will begin to creep upward again ahead of a significant atmospheric river event early next week. While Sunday will still deliver decent accumulation, snow density will increase as SLRs dip back toward the 6-8:1 range. By Monday and Tuesday, a potent atmospheric river takes aim at the Pacific Northwest. This system is carrying a massive amount of moisture, with forecast models showing high Integrated Vapor Transport values."
A robust storm pattern will deliver multiple rounds of precipitation across the Pacific Northwest, beginning with a warm front Thursday that brings high snow levels and rain or heavy wet snow at most base areas. Gusty winds up to 70-80 mph are possible at higher elevations, likely affecting lift operations. A cold front Friday night will lower snow levels to 3,000-4,000 feet, producing the best skiing Saturday with improved SLRs around 8-10:1. Sunday brings another moisture wave and rising snow density as SLRs fall toward 6-8:1. A potent atmospheric river early next week carries high moisture and warm air, driving snow levels to 6,000-7,000+ feet and increasing rain impacts.
Read at SnowBrains
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