Weather
This forecast was created at 7 a.m. PST on Tuesday, March 4, 2025
A series of light to moderate storms will affect the Cascades and surrounding areas over the next week, bringing periods of snowfall with generally modest accumulations and a potential uptick in heavier snow by early next week. Overall, snow levels will hover in the 3,000–4,500 ft range through midweek, dropping in some areas during the weekend and possibly again as a more significant system arrives early next week. Below-normal temperatures should help preserve snow quality, especially in areas where storm totals stack up more substantially.
The Tuesday–Wednesday period ushers in light to moderate snowfall across many Washington and Oregon mountain locations. Snow levels are around 3,000–4,000 feet, with a few inches of fresh snow at the higher passes. Winds may be breezy out of the south and southwest, gusting around 20–25 mph, but generally not disruptive. Snow-liquid ratios (SLRs) will vary, generally landing in the moderate range and yielding decent but not exceptionally fluffy snow quality. Expect a quick burst of accumulations tapering off into Wednesday afternoon.
Heading into late Wednesday and Thursday, only minor snowfall is anticipated for most areas. Snow showers may linger, particularly over higher terrain, but totals should remain on the lower side. Oregon’s Cascades could see a touch of extra moisture with snow levels dipping briefly to around 2500–3500 feet. Where snow does fall, drier low-level air and near-seasonal temperatures will support fair to good snow quality. Winds will likely shift more northerly in some localized valleys, but widespread strong gusts are not expected during this period.
Another wave brings more widespread precipitation to the mountains from Friday through Sunday. Additional moderate snowfall looks likely in parts of British Columbia and the northern Cascades, though SLRs in some zones may drop below 9:1 at times, leading to heavier, wetter snow in spots. Farther south, accumulations should be on the lighter side, but cold enough air will keep most higher elevations all snow. By Monday and into early next week, there is the potential for a more substantial storm system with heavier totals. Current indications suggest below-normal temperatures continuing into the extended range, favoring further snowfall events across the region.
Resort Forecast Totals
- Whistler – 10”–24” total (1”–3” Tue night (03/04) – Wed (03/05) + 9”–21” Fri night (03/07) – Sun night (03/09))
- Mt Baker – 5”–9” total (3”–4” Tue (03/04) – Wed (03/05) + 2”–5” Fri night (03/07) – Sun (03/09))
- Mt Bachelor – 1”–3” Wed night (03/05) – Thu (03/06)
- Timberline – 1”–2” Tue (03/04) – Tue night (03/04)
- Stevens Pass – 1”–2” Tue (03/04) – Wed (03/05)
