Jan 29- Snow or no snow in the PNW?
- Andrea Hamilton
- 38 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Hello Skiers and Snowboarders,
Short-Term Forecast:
The answer is yes.
Friday, we are expecting some light snow later in the day, mainly for the upper slopes. The map reflects this with snowfall for the 24 hours ending late Friday afternoon. This will be in addition to the light snow received on Thursday for the lower to mid-slopes.
Saturday will bring some light snow later in the afternoon, mainly for the upper slopes. Sunday will have an increase of clouds as a cold front moves in. The second map reflects snowfall by early Monday, and all slopes will get some snow.
Best day to get some fresh snow? Night skiing on Sunday and or Monday morning.
Snow and Weather Summary
Friday: 1 to 3" for upper slopes
Saturday: 1" for upper slopes
Sunday late to Monday morning: 3 to 6" highest totals for mid to upper slopes
Extended Outlook: Mon. Feb. 2 to Wed. Feb. 4
Monday, several forecast models are bringing perhaps 1" mainly early in the day for the mid to upper slopes.
However, later Monday and into Tuesday and Wednesday, our friend (nemesis for snow lovers) returns. The upper level ridge of high pressure will bring dry conditions and above normal temperatures for Tuesday and Wednesday.
When will the ridge of high pressure break down and bring the return of cold air to our region?
The second map is for Feb. 10 and shows some optimism, which is depicted on the Europe model. That shows a trough of low pressure off our coast, which would bring colder weather and snow into our mountains. However, the US model shows a ridge of high pressure and dry weather.
I know which forecast model you favor. We will update you on Sunday, Feb. 1.
Michael Fagin
Meteorologist
P.S. Favorite links below
Slopes: Elevation General Guidelines
Lower Slopes - Under 4000'
Mid-Slopes - 4000 to 5500'
Upper-Slopes - Above 5500'
Sponsored by Silver Mountain Resort
The ultimate year-round family vacation destination.
Ski and swim on the same day! Make this year's mountain vacation the most memorable yet with a trip to Silver Mountain in Kellogg, Idaho. Located only 6 hours from Seattle, Silver Mountain is the ultimate family vacation.
With 1600 acres of ski terrain, 4 lanes of daily snow tubing, and a huge indoor waterpark that's always 84 degrees, your kids will be talking about this vacation for years to come.
Field notes from a road trip with my son Zack. Trip report link here
Gear & Apparel- Look good feel god.
Sturtevant's in Bellevue. Sale happening now — 20% off most hardgoods and select items. Daily boot fitting and tunes. 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.
Health & Wellness- Be fit and pain free.
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.
Warmth & Essentials- Year-round comfort
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- Trip Planning for long weekends and Spring Break!
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- Super Bowl happening soon
The Hall. Sports Bar, family and dog friendly. Kirkland, Queen Anne and Occidental Hall by Lumen Field. Weekend Brunch in Kirkland, on 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.
Meet the Oracle - Larry Schick in person.
Wed, Feb 18 from 6:00 - 9:00pm
By the time Feb 18 rolls around, we're gonna be happy or really need some therapy.
Meet Larry in person at Queen Anne Beerhall on Wed, Feb 18 from 6:00-9:00pm
Free forecast discussion, Q&A, snow talk with friends, and a fun Après vibe.
Swag while it lasts. Family friendly and dogs ok too.
> Queen Anne Beerhall, 203 W. Thomas St., 1 block off Elliott Ave W.
RSVP so it’s on your calendar.
Sunday forecasts will usually go out in the afternoons during January and February, while I'm on snow teaching the next generation of skiers.
Thanks for reading.
Andrea
➡️ Who has the snow? OpenSnow.com (sort by snow depth). Or just book a trip to Japan.
➡️ Powder Poobah Resources: NWAC, WSDOT, chains, goggle lens, and more.
➡️ WSDOT: Review snowfall from your favorite mountain pass.
➡️ List of resorts with webcam links. Check websites for operations updates.
