Weather
A steady parade of storm systems will continue to roll across the Pacific Northwest in the coming week, delivering frequent shots of snow to the mountains and keeping conditions wintry through next weekend. Expect lower snow levels at times with decent to occasionally high snow-water ratios, leading to periods of fluffy powder—especially in the Oregon Cascades and higher terrain of Washington and British Columbia.
Sunday–Monday Storm: Snow will spread across much of the region to begin this stretch, with moderate to heavy accumulations in the Washington Cascades and into British Columbia. Although many areas start with slightly higher snow levels (around 3,500-4,000 feet), colder air quickly lowers them, allowing snowfall to accumulate nicely even at pass levels. Snow-water ratios in the 9-12:1 range should yield a moderately dense but still enjoyable surface layer, with gusty winds possibly affecting the upper elevations. By Monday, snowfall becomes more spotty, but the higher peaks in Washington and British Columbia could still pick up additional inches before tapering off.
Tuesday–Wednesday System: Another wave arrives Tuesday into Wednesday, bringing fresh mountain snow along the Cascades. Snow levels will generally range from around 3,000 to 5,000 feet, depending on the exact location, so expect snowfall to favor mid-mountain and higher. Accumulations of a few inches are likely in the passes, with localized heavier totals around the Oregon Crest and northern Washington Cascades. Snow-water ratios should average in the 10-12:1 zone for a fair-quality surface, gradually improving Wednesday night as cooler air filters in.
Thursday–Saturday Series: Colder air surges in on Thursday behind a trough, dropping snow levels to around 1,500-2,500 feet and setting up the potential for another round of moderate to significant snowfall. The Oregon Cascades in particular may see notable totals through the end of the week, with pockets of 6-12 inches or more possible during each wave. Meanwhile, the Washington passes can also expect meaningful snowfall, especially Thursday afternoon into Friday night. Winds will again increase, with gusts pushing 30+ mph in exposed spots, but consistently cool temperatures and snow-water ratios edging above 12:1 at times should yield some pleasantly soft powder.
Sunday Outlook and Beyond: Heading into next weekend, the pattern looks to remain active, with an additional system possible on Sunday and continued unsettled weather beyond. Snow levels are likely to remain in a favorable range for mountain snowfall, keeping conditions fresh. Longer-range trends are less certain at this time, but the ongoing storm track suggests the potential for more periodic snowfall heading into the following week.
6-Day Resort Forecast Totals
- Whistler – 17″–29” total (7″–10” Sun (03/09) – Mon (03/10) + 9″–16” Mon night (03/10) – Thu night (03/13) + 1″–3” Fri (03/14) – Fri night (03/14))
- Mt Baker – 17″–28” Sun (03/09) – Fri night (03/14)
- Timberline – 14″–28” total (3″–5” Sun night (03/09) – Mon night (03/10) + 11″–23” Tue (03/11) – Fri night (03/14))
- Mt Bachelor – 11″–24” Tue night (03/11) – Fri night (03/14)
- Stevens Pass – 11″–21” total (5″–8” Sun night (03/09) – Mon night (03/10) + 6″–13” Tue (03/11) – Fri night (03/14))
- Crystal Mountain – 11″–21” total (3″–5” Sun night (03/09) – Mon (03/10) + 8″–16” Tue (03/11) – Fri night (03/14))
- Snoqualmie Pass – 9″–19” total (3″–5” Sun night (03/09) – Mon night (03/10) + 6″–14” Tue night (03/11) – Fri night (03/14))
