Snow in the Mountains and Wet

The rapid transition to cool, wet conditions occurred yesterday, with temperatures in Seattle declining from 80F on Tuesday to 58F in Wednesday.   Major cooling.

Cool and wet enough so that substantial snow fell above 5000 ft (see Paradise and Crystal Mountain cam imagery below).

During the past 48 hrs, there have been large amounts of precipitation in the Cascades, with one location near the Spada Lake reservoir getting almost 4 inches!  Lots of precipitation to moisten the crops in eastern Washington.

The cool/wet weather is not over.  A very potent front is now approaching our coast (see current satellite image below).  Cold/unstable air is behind it (area with clouds and openings on the left side of the image).

Below is the forecast precipitation total through Sunday morning.  

Substantial amounts (1-4 inches) on the western side of the Cascades and near the crest.  Substantial amounts on the SW side of the Olympics.

Temperatures will be low enough that substantial snowfall will occur above 5000 ft (see below).

This precipitation is very well timed and will push up river levels on the eastern side of the Cascades, which have been lagging due to below-normal snowpack (see below for the Yakima River)

The fact that the Yakima Reservoirs are now full and will remain full for the next several weeks bodes well for the water supply this summer. 

"Perfect Storm" Rainfall Comes to the Northwest

It has happened multiple times this past year.   

After an extended dry period, the circulation pattern changes, bringing wet conditions that get us close to normal again.

This is going to happen again starting tomorrow. 

The predicted accumulated precipitation through Thursday afternoon will be substantial in the Cascades, and even eastern Washington will enjoy a general moistening. (see below)

Importantly, the precipitation will continue!  By Sunday afternoon (below), some locations in the Cascades will enjoy 2-4 inches.  This will cause rivers to substantially rise on both sides of the Cascades.

Temperatures will dramatically cool for the remainder of the week....with highs declining to around 60F over the western lowlands (see below).

Cool enough that snow will fall at higher elevations (see below)

The storage for the Yakima River basin has remained full (see below).  This wet/cool period will guarantee it remains high for the remainder of the month. 

River flows are below normal because of the lack of snowpack, but flows should be close to normal after mid to late June when reservoir releases are dominant.

The precipitation and relatively cool temperatures will ensure that soil moisture remains in good shape (currently, 78% of the area is adequate)--see below:

If any of you were considering planting seeds or plants, THIS IS THE TIME TO DO IT!  Soils have warmed, and precipitation will keep the ground moist.