Cascade Snow Up High, Colder Storms by Mid-Month
Stormy fall weather is in the air and that means snow for the Cascades.
Initially, snowfall will be light-moderate with high snow levels. Coolness is coming by mid-month and snow-levels will drop and storms will be stronger.
A series of storms is ahead, with light to moderate snowfall and snow levels (5,000-7,000 ft) In the next few days most storm energy moves north into BC - typical of early November. This pattern means accumulating snow on the upper slopes and rain snow mix on the lower slopes. Not optimum, but heck it’s early. Early November is always a mixed bag for snowfall. I expect the storms to become more frequent toward mid and late November.
El Niño remains very strong and near record. We expect it to peak in the next two months with lingering strong influence through winter. For Northwest snowfall, it means occasional warmth, with high snow levels. Overall snow pack may sometimes be lean with the rain on the lower slopes from the warmth. The good news is there are no stagnant, dry high-pressure zones cutting us off from Pacific storms. One difficulty for us later this winter, will be that El Niño sometimes will divert our Pacific storms to California, leaving us with leftovers or minor snowfalls.
Right now, ski areas in the Northwest have no snow on the lower slopes, with patchy snow on the mid slopes. Upper slopes are lightly covered or patchy depending on elevation and aspect. That’s about normal for this time of year.
The outlook from the Climate Prediction Center is neutral with a normal precipitation trend in the Washington Cascades and a warm trend for temperature. See maps.
I remain optimistic for some NW ski areas to be partially open with natural snow and snow making, near Thanksgiving. You should favor areas with higher elevations and robust snowmaking operations in the early season.
Larry Schick – meteorologist
Grand Poobah – Snow Boss
Japan in your ski plans? We have many people here in the NW who ski Japan, as I often get questions. Right now, they are starting to get some snow in places, with more storms to come. The best months to ski there are January and early-mid February. Like us, El Niño does occasionally affect them with warmth and high snow levels.
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From the Powder Poobah
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Gear & Apparel
Sturtevant's in Bellevue and Tacoma. New arrivals! Tuning and binding mounts are done daily. Get it done before peak season
Darn Tough Socks — “In 2004, we made a promise that our socks would last forever.” Made with merino wool in Vermont.
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Health & Wellness
Proliance Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Michael had his knee done by Proliance.Full care from injury to rehab.
PRO Medical Podiatry — Dr. Adad is an avid skier who provides medical-grade prescription orthotics built precisely for your unique biomechanics and winter boots.
Alpine Physical Therapy — Poobah verified: They fixed up Larry. PNW skiers who are experts in outpatient orthopedic and neurological rehab and sports medicine.
Food, Drink & Community
The Hall Sports Bar, family and dog friendly. Kirkland, Queen Anne and Occidental Hall. Sunday brunch at Moss Bay Hall in Kirkland.
Dingfelder’s Deli — Authentic New York–style Jewish deli food on Seattle’s Capitol Hill. They cater events, too.
Travel, Safety & Resorts
AAA of Washington. Every driver in the family should have this. Browse AAA perks.
49 Degrees North Buy your season pass and plan your visit to Chewelah, WA, about an hour north of Spokane. Read my trip notes.
Crystal Mountain Resort. Check out season passes, day tickets, rentals, and lessons. View webcams.
Silver Mountain Resort. About an hour east of Spokane. Check out the water park, deals, pass perks, and trail maps. Read my trip report.
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Thanks for reading,
Andrea
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