Weather
This forecast was created at 2:00 a.m. PST on Saturday, December 21
A broad, mild weather pattern will keep snow levels high for much of the upcoming stretch, but a series of storms will deliver steadily accumulating snowfall to the mountains from Saturday through next weekend. Some valleys will see more rain than snow due to these elevated snow levels, though strong fronts will still bring intermittent rounds of snowy travel across certain passes. Winds become gusty at times, so holiday powder hounds should stay alert (high winds could affect upper-mountain lift operations). Overall, the mountains will ring in Christmas week with good coverage and very respectable accumulations!
Saturday through Sunday will feature active weather with the first surge of moisture spreading across the region early Saturday. Snow levels begin around 4000-6000 feet, meaning rain in many lower and mid elevations. Higher ski areas will pick up modest accumulations, though snow totals will vary as milder air presses in, limiting how far downslope the snowfall can reach. Winds will turn gusty at times along east-facing slopes and passes, especially Saturday afternoon and evening.
Another round of moisture arrives Sunday into Monday, accompanied by brief rises in snow levels. However, pockets of cooler air will linger around the higher summits, so any heavier bursts of precipitation should still produce steady mountain snow. Where temperatures run borderline around 32-35°F, wet snow or mixed precipitation is possible, but significant accumulations remain confined to upper elevations.
During Christmas week, the overall theme is continued waves of unsettled weather with slightly lower snow levels by midweek. Steeper temperature lapses above 4000 feet will allow heavier mountain snowfall to become more likely, especially Wednesday onward. Windy conditions are possible with each approaching front, but speeds and impacts look most pronounced near the ridges and mountain passes. Anyone planning holiday travel to or from these areas should monitor conditions closely and expect periods of winter driving.
Resort Totals Saturday (12/21)-Saturday night (12/28) (and potentially beyond)
Mt Baker: 39-67”
Whistler: 36-61”
Crystal Mountain: 26-48”
Timberline: 25-44”
Stevens Pass: 25-43”
Mt Bachelor: 21-40”
Snoqualmie Pass: 13-24”
