Weather
This forecast was created at 6 a.m. PST on Monday, February 24
A surge of moderate to heavy snowfall is set to arrive across the Pacific Northwest early this week, followed by a calmer stretch midweek and another potential storm system by the weekend. Expect impactful snow at higher elevations Monday into Tuesday, a marked break with drier weather Wednesday through Friday, and then unsettled conditions possibly returning over the weekend.
The Monday–Tuesday Storm will feature rapidly dropping snow levels and gusty southwest winds. Snow levels will start in the 5,000–6,000 ft range and quickly lower to around 3500–4000 ft by Monday evening. The heaviest snowfall is expected in the Washington Cascades, though the Oregon Cascades will also see solid accumulations by Tuesday. In addition, strong winds are likely, which could create blustery conditions along ridgelines and exposed terrain. By late Tuesday, shower activity will wind down from south to north, with lingering light accumulations in higher terrain through early Wednesday.
Midweek high pressure will bring primarily dry weather Wednesday through Friday. Warming temperatures and calmer skies will dominate, with snow levels recovering well above the passes for a few days. This midweek period should offer a brief window of clearer conditions and firmer snow surfaces until the next system arrives. Temperatures will remain mild relative to late February norms, keeping any significant new snowfall confined to the highest elevations.
The weekend system may bring another wave of moisture as soon as Saturday or as late as Sunday. Confidence remains moderate in timing, but this system could support new mountain snowfall, especially in Washington and northern Oregon. Snow levels may initially sit near or slightly above 5,000 ft, so lower elevations may see rain mixed with snow. By the tail end of the weekend, cooler air could lower snow levels again, bringing additional accumulation to mid-mountain. Expect a return of gusty ridgetop winds, though current signals suggest lower intensity than earlier in the week.
Totals through Wednesday
- Crystal Mountain, WA – 15″–21” Mon (02/24) – Tue night (02/25)
- Stevens Pass, WA – 13″–19” Mon (02/24) – Wed (02/26)
- Mt Baker, WA – 11″–16” Mon (02/24) – Tue night (02/25)
- Snoqualmie Pass, WA – 8″–13” Mon night (02/24) – Tue night (02/25)
- Timberline, OR – 7″–11” Mon (02/24) – Tue night (02/25)
- Mt Bachelor, OR – 5″–7” Mon (02/24) – Tue night (02/25)
- Whistler, BC – 3″–7” total (2″–4” Mon (02/24) – Tue (02/25) + 1″–3” Thu (02/27) – Thu night (02/27))
