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Dec 28- One slow stretch — it’s just beginning.

  • Writer: Andrea Hamilton
    Andrea Hamilton
  • Dec 28, 2025
  • 4 min read

Short-Term Forecast

A ridge of high pressure will remain in place through Wednesday, bringing mostly dry conditions over the period. This is reflected in the first graph. There is a slight chance of a few snow showers on Monday near Mt. Baker, but no accumulations are expected.


For those seeking sun breaks, it can be tricky at Snoqualmie Pass, and the best chance is at the mid to upper slopes. Generally, Mt. Baker and Crystal Mountain are less impacted by low clouds on the lower slopes.


Want fresh snow for the New Year? See our extended outlook.


Snow and Weather Summary


  • Monday: Dusting of snow near Mt. Baker, perhaps near Stevens Pass

  • Tuesday: Dry with sun breaks for the mid to upper slopes

  • Wednesday: Dry with sun breaks for the mid to upper slopes





Extended Outlook:

Thursday, Jan. 1 to Saturday, Jan. 3


A trough of low pressure (second graphic) moves into our region by Saturday to bring precipitation to our region. The amount of snowfall will depend on how quickly the snow levels drop and the exact track of the low pressure. We will have a better handle on this with our next update on Wednesday, December 31.


Michael Fagin

Meteorologist


P.S. Film Fest in January. We're co-hosting the No Man's Land Film Fest in Seattle and Kirkland. All ages. Info below.



Slopes - Elevation General Guidelines

  • Lower Slopes - Under 4000'

  • Mid-Slopes - 4000 to 5500'

  • Upper-Slopes - Above 5500'


Open areas:



Not all areas are listed in every forecast. Here's a list with Webcam links. Please check websites for operations updates.

Low Snowpack Now - Why? Future Outlook


La Niña conditions have been in place since the fall and continue to be present now. La Niña conditions tilt the likelihood of above average snowfall for the Washington Cascades. However, as we know, many of the resorts in the Pacific Northwest currently have below average snow on the ground.


Why the low snowpack? One reason is that we have had an upper-level ridge in place at times indicated by the first map. This has tended to bring us dry weather and above average temperatures. At other times we have had a strong southerly flow that brought in moist and warm conditions (see second map). This pattern set up multiple atmospheric rivers the resulting in heavy rain for the mountains.


The winter solstice was just last week so there's a lot of winter remaining. La Niña is still in place and, in fact, recently became slightly stronger. Thus, the outlooks issued by NOAA continue to bring us below average temperatures and above average precipitation. This type of pattern would bring above average mountain snowfall. Stay tuned to see what the rest of winter brings. We forecast lots of good turns in your future.






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Gear & Apparel



Warmth & Essentials

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


Travel, Safety & Resorts


Food, Drink & Community

  • The Hall. Gift cards- purchase online. In Kirkland, Queen Anne and Occidental Hall by Lumen Field. Sports bar, family and dog friendly. Weekend Brunch in Kirkland, Sat & Sun. Great food, beer, people and community.

  • Vertical Grind. Easy ordering from Amazon for your Snow-Loving friends. Adventure inspired: First Ascent, Open Road, and Switchback. Shop local and support Powder People.


Health & Wellness

No Man's Land Film Festival



We’re excited to bring No Man’s Land Film Festival back to the area for a second year with the winter edition. This all-ages, family-friendly screening features inspiring adventure storytelling from bold women and gender-diverse athletes.


Tickets: Adult $15 and youth $10 (age 18 and under)


📍 Seattle — Jan 13 at REI

📍 Kirkland — Jan 20 at Moss Bay Hall





Thanks for reading.

Andrea


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

➡️ WSSSM: Do you know about the Washington State Ski & Snowboard Museum?

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