NOAA: 12-24″ of Snow Forecast on Mt. Rainier, WA This Weekend!

NOAA is forecasting 12-24″ of snow this weekend for upper elevations of Mt. Rainier and the Cascade Mountains of Washington.  Seems like a pretty decent amount of snow for mid-June!

NOAA is calling for snow levels down to 5,000′ in Washington state beginning last night and continuing through Monday.

Several inches of new snow is expected above 5,000′ all over WA this weekend!

“Snow levels will fall to near 5000 feet tonight and will remain there through the weekend. Several inches of snow are possible at higher elevations. Those planning any travel into the Cascades and Olympics should anticipate this dramatic shift to much cooler weather, particularly hikers and climbers. In addition, motorists crossing the higher passes, such as Washington, Chinook, Cayuse and White Passes should be prepared for winter driving conditions.” – NOAA Seattle, WA yesterday

Could be some fun backcountry powder days out there this weekend and/or early next week but please stay safe and follow proper avalanche protocol.  Snow is June is already a red flag in itself.  Be safe out there.