Before
top of page
Search

Dec 11- Record rain and a hint of snow next week!

  • Writer: Andrea Hamilton
    Andrea Hamilton
  • 23 hours ago
  • 5 min read

Hello Skiers and Snowboarders,


The two Atmospheric Rivers (details below) brought heavy rain and little mountain snow. DOT reports several major mountain pass roads are closed. The net result has been record breaking floods, with the Governor saying close to 100,000 people will likely need to be evacuated.


We will experience a brief drying trend beginning later on Friday and continues into most of Saturday, as a weak ridge of high pressure develops. Late Saturday, and more likely on Sunday, an area of low pressure slowly starts to move into our region. Snow levels for most of our region are too high to bring us beneficial snow. However, Mt. Baker and 49 Degrees North, as well as Silver Mt, will be cold enough for some light snow.


Monday, expect another Atmospheric River.

When will this end? The extended outlook is starting to look favorable for snow.


Snow and Weather Highlights

  • Friday: Light rain in the morning

  • Saturday: Dry with some sunbreaks possible

  • Sunday: Light rain except up to 2" snow late in the day at mid-slopes for Mt. Baker, Silver Mt, and 49 Degrees North

  • Monday: Windy and heavy rain


Extended Outlook

This is an extended outlook, and the models have not been that accurate lately.

  • Tuesday, expect cooler temps.

  • By Wednesday chance of snow at 4000' (expecting 8").

Next update this Sunday, December 14. Hoping this optimistic outlook continues.


What is very encouraging is looking toward Christmas, bringing very cold conditions. Interesting that all models have consistently shown this trend. We'll see if this trend continues and how much snow we get.


Michael Fagin

Meteorologist


Slopes - Elevation General Guidelines

  • Lower Slopes - Under 4000'

  • Mid-Slopes - 4000 to 5500'

  • Upper-Slopes - Above 5500'


ree

Atmospheric River- One For The Records


Here are some precipitation totals that occurred over the last several days. Most of this has occurred as rain and not snow.


Atmospheric River 101

An Atmospheric River occurs when high water vapor content is transported into a region. This is depicted in the first map with the high water vapor content aimed at Washington. This has been the position from Mon, 12/8 to Wed, 12/10. There are several things that created this event, which some say is close to a record for some locations. The moisture was transported from the tropics, formerly called a Pineapple Express. Some call this a Mango Express; this YouTube video explains it well.


We had strong south to southwest winds that transported this moisture over our region. What brought the high precipitation totals was two surges, one on Monday and the second on Wednesday. The second map shows precipitation totals for a five-period day ending Thursday morning, 12/11. Again, most of the precipitation was in the form of rain.


How much rain was that? We received 5 trillion gallons, or enough water to refill all of Lake Washington ten times.


Finally, the third graphic shows snow currently on the ground at some resorts. Thus, there is still some snow remaining after our recent heavy rain.


ree

5-Day Precip Totals - Ending Dec 11 at 6 am



  • Stevens- Schmidt-Haus | 9.1"

  • Mt Rainier Paradise | 16.1"

  • Snoqualmie Pass | 7.5"

  • Baker – Heather Meadows | 10.6"


Snow on the Ground- 12/ 11


  • Stevens- Schmidt-Haus | 12"

  • Crystal Mt summit | 25"

  • Snoqualmie Alpental base | 6"

  • Silver Mt summit | 30"

  • Baker – Heather Meadows | 19"

  • 49 Degrees North summit | 15"


P.S. Don’t miss:

  • Sponsor Shoutouts - Holiday gift giving.

  • Event: Meet Larry, Wed, Dec 17th, in Kirkland.

  • Event: One for the Ladies. Thurs, Dec 18. Countdown to Winter


Shop our Sponsors:

The perfect gift comes in many forms — a box, a gift card, or an unforgettable experience.


Health & Wellness


Food, Drink & Community

  • The Hall. Sports bar, family and dog friendly. Brunch in Kirkland Sat & Sun. Great food, beer, people and community. Events list

  • Vertical Grind. Gift giving essentials, order now! Stock up with the gift of coffee for your Snow-Loving friends. Adventure inspired: First Ascent, Open Road, and Switchback. Shop local and support Powder People.


Gear & Apparel

Travel, Safety & Resorts



Warmth & Essentials

  • IGNIK Outdoors. New RIPPLES rechargeable hand warmers. Put these next to your heated socks and vest. Save 25% code: POWDER25. Cool propane camp stoves.


ree

Meet the Oracle on Wed, Dec 17 at 6:00


The Powder Poobah, in person! Talk snow with the Larry and get the latest winter outlook.Experience the best Après vibe in town.


Moss Bay Hall at 111 Central Way in Kirkland.

Family and dog friendly.





Free to attend — please RSVP so we can plan swag. Food and drinks are buy-your-own.


ree

Countdown to Winter:

Thurs, Dec 18 5:30 to 8:30

A Creative Night for Outdoorsy Women


• Dress up some wood ornaments at two stations:

Woodburning and Mod Podge magic.

• Totes + Hats- Create a tote or hat to take home.


All ages welcome. Dog friendly.



Free to attend — please RSVP so we can plan materials and seating. Food and drinks are buy-your-own. Projects materials fee (up to $10).




Thanks for reading.

Andrea


NEW: Sign up to get a text message when the Powder Alert goes out.


ree

Powder Poobah Resources: NWAC, WSDOT, chains, goggle lens, and more.


Seattle Times Winter Update — Gregory Scruggs: Resort news, Nordic notes, Backcountry huts, and more.


WTA Washington Trails: Save for later. Where to snowshoe besides Snoqualmie Pass


If this landed here by friend-magic, subscribe and stay in the loop. We send twice a week during the season. Usually Sundays and Thursdays.



bottom of page