Jan 11- Mon–Wed: rain early, sun breaks, then clouds

Hello Skiers and Snowboarders,

DAILY DOSE OF DAYDREAM Alpental - The New Chair 2 on Fri, Jan 9

Short-Term Forecast

Monday morning (map 1) is expected to bring moderate to heavy rain, mainly for the Olympics, Everett, and the north. Lighter rain for the rest of the state, like Snoqualmie Pass, Crystal, White Pass, and inland areas like 49 Degrees North and Silver Mt. Stevens will also have light rain.

Monday afternoon, we will have a drying trend.

Tuesday, a strong ridge of high pressure builds for mild and dry conditions; however, Mt. Baker might have a few morning rain showers.

Wednesday expect an increase in clouds with the chance of some light rain for Mt. Baker. The rest of the areas may have a brief afternoon rain shower, but I do not think so.

Snow and Weather Summary

• Monday: Rain moderate to heavy, mainly for Baker and Olympics, much lighter elsewhere.

• Tuesday: Sun breaks & mild for the afternoon, Baker light morning rain.

• Wednesday: Increase in clouds, chance of light rain, mainly at Baker

Extended Outlook:

Thursday, Jan. 15 to Saturday, Jan. 17

Thursday through the weekend, an upper-level ridge of high pressure builds for dry conditions and mild daytime temperatures (freezing levels 9000').

Saturday, this ridge sets up (first map). Very confident of this pattern, as all forecast models are showing this.

Expect sunny and mild. Spring-like skiing conditions for the afternoon.

This type of pattern is called a Rex Block Pattern (second map). With this pattern, the jet stream and associated wet weather systems are steered away. This type of pattern can remain in place for several days.

Interestingly, this winter we have had this pattern set up several times and at times sandwiched between Atmospheric Rivers. It has not been a boring winter.

Next update: Thurs, Jan 15. We will let you know when the snow will return.

Michael Fagin

Meteorologist

P.S. PNW Resorts and webcam list below

If you’re on the Eastside, we’re hosting a winter adventure film night in Kirkland on Jan 20.

Details below.

Slopes: Elevation General Guidelines

• Lower Slopes - Under 4000'

• Mid-Slopes - 4000 to 5500'

• Upper-Slopes - Above 5500'

---

Shop our Sponsors:

Now that we have nearly full-on winter coverage. Are you prepared?

Gear & Apparel

• Sturtevant's in Bellevue.  Stop in for a gift card at Sturtevant's or Ski Mart in Bellevue and Tacoma. Daily boot fitting and tunes. Season rentals at Ski Mart in Bellevue and Tacoma.

• XEVO Optics. Save 50% use code: powderpoobah. Shop online, choose model, lens, and strap. Shipped from Washington. 

• Woolly Clothing. Shop local online — merino wool for ski days and everyday NW style. Save 20% use code: powderpoobah.



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

• AAA of Washington. Everyone in the family should have this. There’s no “one size fits all” here. We offer different levels of membership. Browse the Perks.

• 49 Degrees North. Buy your season pass. Details here. Plan your visit. Chewelah, WA. Read my trip notes here. An hour north of Spokane.

• Crystal Mountain Resort. Check out Season passes and Day tickets. Rentals and lessons. Plan your trip. Mountain report and parking

• Crystal Mountain Hotels. Stay slopeside in one of their three hotels, an easy walk to the gondola. Includes parking. Dog-friendly.

• Silver Mountain Resort. Do you know about the Water Park? Check out deals, pass perks, and trail maps. An hour from Spokane in Kellogg, ID. Save on winter lodging.

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

• Alpine Physical Therapy. Our go-to PTs (they fixed up Larry)! PNW skiers and experts in outpatient orthopedic and neurological rehab and sports medicine.

• Proliance Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine. Bellevue, Issaquah, Redmond, and Seattle. Comprehensive care from injury to rehabilitation.

---

Featured Film: This Must Be the Place

Join us in Kirkland on Jan 20th. Eight films, one great time.

🎬This Must Be the Place follows sledder Tami Razinger. Balancing late nights of work and early mornings on the mountain, Tami keeps her sights set on spring in Alaska and the pinnacle of the season.

Tickets and Trailers

📍 Tues, Jan 20 • Moss Bay Hall at 111 Central Way in Kirkland

🎟️ Tickets: Adult $15 • Youth $10 (18 -10) • Child free (8 and under)

Moss Bay Hall has a great menu of food and beverages for you to order from. Great service. Kid and dog friendly.

Poobah verified menu! Read it here

---

Sunday forecasts will go out in the afternoons during January and February while I’m on snow teaching the next generation of skiers at Alpental.

Thanks for reading.

Andrea

Want a text when the next Powder Alert goes out? Click below.

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

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