Weather
This forecast was created at 6 a.m. PST on Wednesday, January 29
An active weather pattern returns to the Pacific Northwest late this week, bringing significant mountain snowfall and a notable shift to cooler, unsettled conditions through early next week. Beyond the immediate impact of the late-week frontal passage, multiple waves of moisture and potential cooler air surges will keep new snow piling up across the higher elevations, with the best chances for deep powder in the Washington and Oregon mountains.
Quiet conditions continue through Thursday morning. High-pressure overhead will maintain primarily dry skies and mild afternoons, although nights remain chilly in sheltered valleys. Light inversions and a generally stagnant air mass break down late Thursday as clouds increase from the west and south. Winds should begin picking up as the next storm system approaches, especially at upper elevations.
Thursday Night–Friday Storm. A warm front presses inland Thursday night into Friday, pushing steady precipitation across most of the region by Friday morning. Snow levels will hover around 4000-5000 feet during peak precipitation, favoring significant snowfall primarily above the passes; lower slopes may see lighter accumulations or a brief rain/snow mix. Breezy winds accompany the frontal passage, which will help mix the air mass but may also lead to blustery conditions at higher ski areas.
Saturday–Sunday Surge. A surge of milder, moisture-rich air arrives over the weekend, potentially tapping into a more robust plume of subtropical moisture for heavier mountain snowfall. There is still some uncertainty in how far north the deepest moisture will track, but top-to-bottom powder could be possible at mid- to upper elevations, especially on Sunday when colder air tries to push in from the north. Winds sometimes remain gusty, enhancing mixing and the potential for blowing snow across ridgelines.
Next Week Outlook. Early next week, expect a gradual transition toward a colder, unsettled pattern as a trough digs southward or lingers nearby. Snow showers are likely to persist in the mountains, and some models hint at snow levels lowering further into midweek. Longer-range guidance supports continued weather in the 6-10 days, leaning cooler than average with a good chance for additional mountain snowfall.
7-Day Resort Forecast Totals
- Timberline – 28–47” Fri Day (01/31) – Wed Night (02/05)
- Mt Baker – 27–47” Thu Night (01/30) – Tue Night (02/04)
- Mt Bachelor – 25–43” Fri Day (01/31) – Wed Night (02/05)
- Crystal Mountain – 19–33” Fri Day (01/31) – Tue Night (02/04)
- Stevens Pass – 18–32” Fri Day (01/31) – Tue Night (02/04)
- Snoqualmie Pass – 17–31” Fri Day (01/31) – Tue Night (02/04))
- Whistler – 16–28” Thu Day (01/30) – Sun Night (02/02)
