Weather
A steady stream of storms will continue to hammer the Pacific Northwest over the coming week, delivering multiple rounds of moderate to heavy snowfall across the region’s mountains. Overall, Oregon’s Cascades look to see the brunt of each surge, but Washington’s Cascades and even coastal British Columbia will also grab notable accumulations. Below-normal temperatures will help keep snow levels in check, and while a midweek lull may briefly ease conditions, another system looms by Wednesday or Thursday. The extended range signals that this active pattern could persist for at least another week, favoring fresh powder across the Northwest mountains.
This weekend brings a robust round of snowfall starting Friday night and intensifying into Saturday. Lingering showers Friday morning should be minor, but amounts ramp up quickly by Saturday, delivering impressive totals in Oregon where some spots may see 1 to 3 feet above about 3,000 feet. Meanwhile, Washington’s Cascades should pick up around 10 to 16 inches with periods of gusty winds, so expect drifting and localized higher totals along ridgelines. Snow levels generally hover near or below 3,000 feet, ensuring good coverage on all the major slopes. Snow ratios look moderate-to-high (mostly 8:1 to 12:1), meaning decent powder quality for Saturday turns.
Sunday continues with additional snow, though accumulations might lighten by nightfall. Snow levels in central Oregon could inch up to around 4,000 to 5,000 feet, but southwestern Washington stays closer to 3,000 feet, meaning the best Sunday totals might lean toward the Oregon Cascades if the heaviest precipitation tracks just south of Mount Hood. By Monday, another wave pushes in, dropping fresh snow across most mountains from Oregon through northern Washington, though at somewhat lower intensities. Expect up to half a foot in spots, with ratios often in the 9:1 to 13:1 range for decent quality. Winds should ease slightly by Monday but remain breezy, occasionally gusting 20 to 30 mph in exposed areas.
Tuesday should offer a brief break in the pattern, but the window won’t stay quiet for long. A ridge tries to set up, limiting showers to the higher peaks and generally bringing drier conditions across the region. By late Wednesday or Thursday, another system arrives with renewed mountain snowfall likely, especially for the Oregon and Washington Cascades. In the medium and longer range, trends point toward continued above-normal precipitation in the Pacific Northwest and a tilt toward below-normal temperatures. This persistent troughing and onshore flow could keep the powder pipeline open deep into next week, suggesting ongoing opportunities for fresh turns.
Resort Forecast Totals
- Mt Bachelor – 35–53 inches total (34–50 inches Fri (03/14) – Tue night (03/18) + 1–3 inches Wed night (03/19) – Thu (03/20))
- Timberline – 26–40 inches total (25–37 inches Fri (03/14) – Tue night (03/18) + 1–3 inches Wed night (03/19) – Thu (03/20))
- Crystal Mountain – 14–20 inches Fri night (03/14) – Mon night (03/17)
- Snoqualmie Pass – 13–20 inches Fri night (03/14) – Tue night (03/18)
- Stevens Pass – 12–18 inches Fri night (03/14) – Tue night (03/18)
- Mt Baker – 10–16 inches Fri night (03/14) – Tue night (03/18)
- Whistler – 5–12 inches total (4–8 inches Sat (03/15) – Tue (03/18) + 1–4 inches Wed night (03/19) – Thu (03/20))
