This is a past forecast. See the latest Mountain Weather Forecast
Mountain Weather
- Issued
- Thursday, October 15, 2026 - 2:30PM
- Author
- Rachel Fryan
- Issued
- Thursday, October 15, 2026 - 7:00AM
- Author
- Rachel Fryan
Weather Synopsis
THIS IS NOT A REAL FORECAST. THIS IS USED FOR TESTING PURPOSES ONLY! NWAC NOR RACHEL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU NOT READING THIS FIRST LINE AND THINKING THIS IS REAL.
The much-needed snow accumulation pattern continues across the Pacific Northwest as a cool upper-level trough combines with moist WSW winds and an unstable atmosphere. As that moist, unstable air hits the mountains, it triggers moderate to locally heavy snow showers on the windward slopes, with enough wind to push some moisture over the Cascade Crest. More sustained, intense precipitation is possible at times, especially in convergence zones targeting Mt. Baker, the Mountain Loop, and Stevens Pass. These bands of convergence are more likely associated with more organized "comma clouds." The first is passing late Friday and is likely to trigger an uptick in snow showers Friday evening.
As the weekend progresses, a trough amplifies offshore, and winds turn more southwesterly. This nudges the precipitation focus slightly northward. As a result, snowfall decreases on Mt. Hood but increases in the Olympics and at Mt. Baker. A more organized system approaching late Sunday should bring some more sustained snowfall to the region during the mid-day and afternoon hours.
Through the weekend, expect 1-3 feet of low-density snow in areas near and west of the Cascade Crest, with lighter totals of 4-8 inches at Blewett Pass and Mission Ridge. Snow levels should be in the 1000-2500 ft range through Saturday morning, then rise 500 ft or so from Saturday morning onward in areas west of the Cascade Crest. The east slopes and passes should stay cooler as light E pass-level winds develop Saturday night.
Weather Summary by Zone
Tonight · Thu Oct 15
Light to moderate snow showers (moderate to heavy intensity during squalls). Light to moderate ridgeline winds.
Tomorrow · Fri Oct 16
Moderate snow showers. Light to moderate ridgeline winds.
Precipitation and Snow (in)
Precipitation: Water Equivalent (WE) is the liquid water equivalent of all precipitation types; rain, snow, ice pellets, etc. and forecast to the hundredth of an inch at specific locations. Snow: Forecast at the same locations as precipitation but at 5,000’ in elevation. Snow forecasts are to the nearest whole inch and presented in a range.
| Zone | Station | Thu Oct 15 | Fri Oct 16 | Sat Oct 17 | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Night | Day | Night | Day | 48 hrs | |||||||
| Precip | Snow@ 5000' | Precip | Snow@ 5000' | Precip | Snow@ 5000' | Precip | Snow@ 5000' | Precip | Snow@ 5000' | ||
| Olympics | Hurricane Ridge | 0.4" | 3–5" | 0.5" | 4–6" | 0.46" | 4–6" | 0.55" | 5–7" | 1.91" | 16–22" |
| West North | Mt Baker Ski Area | 0.58" | 5–7" | 0.69" | 5–9" | 0.7" | 5–9" | 1" | 8–12" | 2.97" | 25–35" |
| West Central | Mt Loop — Barlow Pass | 0.5" | 4–6" | 0.75" | 6–10" | 0.75" | 6–10" | 0.5" | 4–6" | 2.5" | 20–30" |
| West South | Crystal Mountain | 0.19" | 1–3" | 0.23" | 1–3" | 0.12" | 0.5–2" | 0.18" | 1–3" | 0.72" | 5–9" |
| Paradise | 0.75" | 6–10" | 1" | 8–12" | 0.55" | 5–7" | 0.3" | 2–4" | 2.6" | 21–31" | |
| White Pass | 0.55" | 5–7" | 0.42" | 3–5" | 0.07" | T–1" | 0.11" | 0.5–2" | 1.15" | 10–14" | |
| Mt St Helens | 0.55" | 5–7" | 0.42" | 3–5" | 0.07" | T–1" | 0.11" | 0.5–2" | 1.15" | 10–14" | |
| Stevens Pass | Stevens Pass | 0.46" | 4–6" | 0.6" | 5–7" | 0.28" | 2–4" | 0.15" | 1–3" | 1.49" | 12–18" |
| Snoqualmie Pass | Snoqualmie Pass | 0.5" | 4–6" | 0.7" | 5–9" | 0.38" | 3–5" | 0.25" | 2–4" | 1.83" | 15–21" |
| East North | Washington Pass | 0.4" | 3–5" | 0.48" | 4–6" | 0.25" | 2–4" | 0.25" | 2–4" | 1.38" | 12–16" |
| East Central | Mission Ridge | 0.09" | 0.5–2" | 0.1" | 0.5–2" | 0.06" | T–1" | 0.01" | T–1" | 0.26" | 2–4" |
| Salmon la Sac — Gallagher Head | 0.42" | 3–5" | 0.55" | 5–7" | 0.29" | 2–4" | 0.08" | 0.5–2" | 1.34" | 11–15" | |
| East South | Tieton River — Darland Mt | 0.28" | 2–4" | 0.35" | 3–5" | 0.05" | T–1" | 0.05" | T–1" | 0.73" | 5–9" |
| Mt Hood | Mt Hood Meadows | 0.28" | 2–4" | 0.23" | 1–3" | 0.02" | T–1" | 0.08" | 0.5–2" | 0.61" | 5–7" |
| Timberline | 0.3" | 2–4" | 0.25" | 2–4" | 0.02" | T–1" | 0.1" | 0.5–2" | 0.67" | 5–9" | |
| Station | Night | |
|---|---|---|
| Precip | Snow@ 5000' | |
| Olympics | ||
| Hurricane Ridge | 0.4" | 3–5" |
| West North | ||
| Mt Baker Ski Area | 0.58" | 5–7" |
| West Central | ||
| Mt Loop — Barlow Pass | 0.5" | 4–6" |
| West South | ||
| Crystal Mountain | 0.19" | 1–3" |
| Paradise | 0.75" | 6–10" |
| White Pass | 0.55" | 5–7" |
| Mt St Helens | 0.55" | 5–7" |
| Stevens Pass | ||
| Stevens Pass | 0.46" | 4–6" |
| Snoqualmie Pass | ||
| Snoqualmie Pass | 0.5" | 4–6" |
| East North | ||
| Washington Pass | 0.4" | 3–5" |
| East Central | ||
| Mission Ridge | 0.09" | 0.5–2" |
| Salmon la Sac — Gallagher Head | 0.42" | 3–5" |
| East South | ||
| Tieton River — Darland Mt | 0.28" | 2–4" |
| Mt Hood | ||
| Mt Hood Meadows | 0.28" | 2–4" |
| Timberline | 0.3" | 2–4" |
Day 5 am–5 pm PDTNight 5 pm–5 am PDTSnowT–2", 1–7", 5–16", 12"+
Precipitation and Snow (in)
Precipitation: Water Equivalent (WE) is the liquid water equivalent of all precipitation types; rain, snow, ice pellets, etc. and forecast to the hundredth of an inch at specific locations. Snow: Forecast at the same locations as precipitation but at 5,000’ in elevation. Snow forecasts are to the nearest whole inch and presented in a range.
| Zone | Station | Thu Oct 15 – Fri Oct 16 | Fri Oct 16 – Sat Oct 17 | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Night + Day | Night + Day | 48 hrs | |||||
| Precip | Snow@ 5000' | Precip | Snow@ 5000' | Precip | Snow@ 5000' | ||
| Olympics | Hurricane Ridge | 0.9" | 7–11" | 1.01" | 8–12" | 1.91" | 16–22" |
| West North | Mt Baker Ski Area | 1.27" | 11–15" | 1.7" | 14–20" | 2.97" | 25–35" |
| West Central | Mt Loop — Barlow Pass | 1.25" | 11–15" | 1.25" | 11–15" | 2.5" | 20–30" |
| West South | Crystal Mountain | 0.42" | 3–5" | 0.3" | 2–4" | 0.72" | 5–9" |
| Paradise | 1.75" | 15–21" | 0.85" | 7–11" | 2.6" | 21–31" | |
| White Pass | 0.97" | 8–12" | 0.18" | 1–3" | 1.15" | 10–14" | |
| Mt St Helens | 0.97" | 8–12" | 0.18" | 1–3" | 1.15" | 10–14" | |
| Stevens Pass | Stevens Pass | 1.06" | 9–13" | 0.43" | 3–5" | 1.49" | 12–18" |
| Snoqualmie Pass | Snoqualmie Pass | 1.2" | 10–14" | 0.63" | 5–7" | 1.83" | 15–21" |
| East North | Washington Pass | 0.88" | 7–11" | 0.5" | 4–6" | 1.38" | 12–16" |
| East Central | Mission Ridge | 0.19" | 1–3" | 0.07" | T–1" | 0.26" | 2–4" |
| Salmon la Sac — Gallagher Head | 0.97" | 8–12" | 0.37" | 3–5" | 1.34" | 11–15" | |
| East South | Tieton River — Darland Mt | 0.63" | 5–7" | 0.1" | 0.5–2" | 0.73" | 5–9" |
| Mt Hood | Mt Hood Meadows | 0.51" | 4–6" | 0.1" | 0.5–2" | 0.61" | 5–7" |
| Timberline | 0.55" | 5–7" | 0.12" | 0.5–2" | 0.67" | 5–9" | |
| Station | Night + Day | |
|---|---|---|
| Precip | Snow@ 5000' | |
| Olympics | ||
| Hurricane Ridge | 0.9" | 7–11" |
| West North | ||
| Mt Baker Ski Area | 1.27" | 11–15" |
| West Central | ||
| Mt Loop — Barlow Pass | 1.25" | 11–15" |
| West South | ||
| Crystal Mountain | 0.42" | 3–5" |
| Paradise | 1.75" | 15–21" |
| White Pass | 0.97" | 8–12" |
| Mt St Helens | 0.97" | 8–12" |
| Stevens Pass | ||
| Stevens Pass | 1.06" | 9–13" |
| Snoqualmie Pass | ||
| Snoqualmie Pass | 1.2" | 10–14" |
| East North | ||
| Washington Pass | 0.88" | 7–11" |
| East Central | ||
| Mission Ridge | 0.19" | 1–3" |
| Salmon la Sac — Gallagher Head | 0.97" | 8–12" |
| East South | ||
| Tieton River — Darland Mt | 0.63" | 5–7" |
| Mt Hood | ||
| Mt Hood Meadows | 0.51" | 4–6" |
| Timberline | 0.55" | 5–7" |
Day 5 am–5 pm PDTNight 5 pm–5 am PDTSnowT–2", 1–7", 5–16", 12"+
Snow and Freezing Level (ft)
The snow level forecast represents the general snow level over a 6 hr time period. Snow level is defined as the elevation that snow begins to accumulate on natural surfaces. Snow may accumulate even when the surface temperature is slightly above freezing. Freezing levels are forecast when precipitation is not expected. Freezing levels often drop rapidly with the onset of precipitation. During periods with temperature inversions, there may be multiple freezing levels. We forecast the freezing level that most users will experience in the mountains.
| Zone | Thu Oct 15Night | Fri Oct 16Day | Fri Oct 16Night | Sat Oct 17Day | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evening | Night | Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Night | Morning | Afternoon | |
| Olympics | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level |
| West North | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level |
| West Central | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 3,000' snow level |
| West South | 2,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 3,000' snow level |
| Stevens Pass | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,500' snow level |
| Snoqualmie Pass | 1,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,500' snow level |
| East North | 500' snow level | 500' snow level | 1,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 500' snow level | 1,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level |
| East Central | 1,500' snow level | 1,000' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 1,000' snow level | 1,000' snow level | 2,500' snow level |
| East South | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 3,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 3,000' snow level |
| Mt Hood | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 3,000' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 3,500' snow level |
| Zone | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Olympics | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level |
| West North | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level |
| West Central | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level |
| West South | 2,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level |
| Stevens Pass | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level |
| Snoqualmie Pass | 1,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level |
| East North | 500' snow level | 500' snow level |
| East Central | 1,500' snow level | 1,000' snow level |
| East South | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level |
| Mt Hood | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level |
Snow level; none, freezing level<2,000', 2,000', 3,000', 4,000', 5,000', 6,000', 7,000', 8,000', 9,000', 10,000'+
5000' Temperatures (°F)
The low and high temperature at 5000’ over a 12 hr period. The 6 hr snow level forecast, overall synopsis and zone weather summary may give more detail on temperature trends.
| Zone | Thu Oct 15 | Fri Oct 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Night | Day | |
| Olympics | 21° / 23° | 22° / 27° |
| West North | 20° / 23° | 21° / 26° |
| West Central | 23° / 24° | 23° / 26° |
| West South | 20° / 24° | 24° / 28° |
| Stevens Pass | 21° / 24° | 24° / 28° |
| Snoqualmie Pass | 23° / 24° | 24° / 28° |
| East North | 13° / 19° | 14° / 22° |
| East Central | 21° / 23° | 23° / 28° |
| East South | 21° / 23° | 24° / 29° |
| Mt Hood | 23° / 27° | 26° / 31° |
| Zone | Thu Oct 15 | Fri Oct 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Night | Day | |
| Olympics | 21° / 23° | 22° / 27° |
| West North | 20° / 23° | 21° / 26° |
| West Central | 23° / 24° | 23° / 26° |
| West South | 20° / 24° | 24° / 28° |
| Stevens Pass | 21° / 24° | 24° / 28° |
| Snoqualmie Pass | 23° / 24° | 24° / 28° |
| East North | 13° / 19° | 14° / 22° |
| East Central | 21° / 23° | 23° / 28° |
| East South | 21° / 23° | 24° / 29° |
| Mt Hood | 23° / 27° | 26° / 31° |
Lo / Hi in 12 hours
Ridgeline Winds (mph)
Ridgeline winds represent the average wind speed and direction over a 6 hr time period. The wind forecast represents an elevation range versus a single elevation. The elevation range overlaps with the middle and upper elevation bands in the avalanche forecast and differs per zone. Wind direction () is the direction the wind is blowing from, given in degrees or cardinal direction on a 16 pt compass rose. Ex: A west (W) wind blows east (E).
| Zone | Thu Oct 15Night | Fri Oct 16Day | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evening | Night | Morning | Afternoon | |
| Olympics | WSW10–20Light to Moderate | WSW10–20Light to Moderate | SW10–20Light to Moderate | WSW10–20Light to Moderate |
| West North | WSW10–20Light to Moderate | SW15–25Moderate | SSW20–30Moderate to Strong | SSW20–30Moderate to Strong |
| West Central | WSW15–25Moderate | SW15–25Moderate | SW15–25Moderate | SW15–25Moderate |
| West South | W15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | WSW10–20Light to Moderate | SW15–25Moderate |
| Stevens Pass | WSW15–25Moderate | WSW10–20Light to Moderate | WSW10–20Light to Moderate | SW10–20Light to Moderate |
| Snoqualmie Pass | W15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | WSW10–20Light to Moderate | SW10–20Light to Moderate |
| East North | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong | SW15–25Moderate | SW15–25Moderate | SSW10–20Light to Moderate |
| East Central | W20–30Moderate to Strong | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong | WSW15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate |
| East South | W15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | WSW10–20Light to Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate |
| Mt Hood | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong | SW15–25Moderate |
| Zone | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Olympics | WSW10–20Light to Moderate | WSW10–20Light to Moderate |
| West North | WSW10–20Light to Moderate | SW15–25Moderate |
| West Central | WSW15–25Moderate | SW15–25Moderate |
| West South | W15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate |
| Stevens Pass | WSW15–25Moderate | WSW10–20Light to Moderate |
| Snoqualmie Pass | W15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate |
| East North | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong | SW15–25Moderate |
| East Central | W20–30Moderate to Strong | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong |
| East South | W15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate |
| Mt Hood | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong |
VAR: variableLight, Light to Moderate, Moderate, Moderate to Strong, Strong, Strong to Extreme, Extreme
Extended
Outlook
A cool, snowy pattern continues. Sunday evening's frontal passage will maintain moderate to heavy snowfall, with light to moderate snow showers in its wake. Another organized front likely brings an uptick in snow showers Monday evening. A low-pressure center developing off the coast of California could bring a relative break in the snowfall and a significant decrease in ridgeline winds, but temperatures should remain cool.
Snow Levels (ft)
The snow level forecast represents the general snow level over a 6 hr time period. Snow level is defined as the elevation that snow begins to accumulate on natural surfaces. Snow may accumulate even when the surface temperature is slightly above freezing. Freezing levels are forecast when precipitation is not expected. Freezing levels often drop rapidly with the onset of precipitation. During periods with temperature inversions, there may be multiple freezing levels. We forecast the freezing level that most users will experience in the mountains.
| Zone | Sat Oct 17 | Sun Oct 18 | Mon Oct 19 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Night | Day | Night | Day | |
| West North | 2,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 1,500' snow level |
| Snoqualmie Pass | 2,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level |
| Mt Hood | 3,500' snow level | 3,000' snow level | 3,000' snow level | 3,000' snow level |
| Zone | Night |
|---|---|
| West North | 2,000' snow level |
| Snoqualmie Pass | 2,500' snow level |
| Mt Hood | 3,500' snow level |
Snow level; none, freezing level<2,000', 2,000', 3,000', 4,000', 5,000', 6,000', 7,000', 8,000', 9,000', 10,000'+
Weather Synopsis
THIS IS NOT A REAL FORECAST. THIS IS USED FOR TESTING PURPOSES ONLY! NWAC NOR RACHEL IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOU NOT READING THIS FIRST LINE AND THINKING THIS IS REAL.
A cool, snowy pattern has settled into the Pacific Northwest, replacing the warm conveyor of moisture that has drifted SE into southern Oregon. With a broad upper trough over the region, expect continued mostly moderate W and WSW ridgeline winds and snow to stack up. Snow showers will be locally intense throughout the Cascades. The atmospheric instability will help some of the moisture spill over onto the east slope of the Cascades. Snow amounts on Friday should be in the 4-10" range for areas near and west of the Cascade Crest, with 1-6" amounts further east. Winds will be plenty strong to blow around the low-density snow in exposed terrain.
Snow shower activity generally increases slightly Friday night and Saturday as the upper trough digs southward offshore. Winds gradually shift toward the SW, favoring the volcanoes and Mt. Baker slightly more over time. Most locations near and west of the Cascade Crest will pick up an additional 12-20" of snow Friday night through Saturday.
Snow levels remain low throughout the short-term forecast, generally in the 1000-2500 ft range.
Weather Summary by Zone
Today / Tonight · Thu Oct 15
Light snow showers (moderate to heavy intensity during squalls). Increasing light to moderate ridgeline winds.
Tomorrow · Fri Oct 16
Light snow showers (moderate to heavy intensity during squalls). Moderate ridgeline winds.
Precipitation and Snow (in)
Precipitation: Water Equivalent (WE) is the liquid water equivalent of all precipitation types; rain, snow, ice pellets, etc. and forecast to the hundredth of an inch at specific locations. Snow: Forecast at the same locations as precipitation but at 5,000’ in elevation. Snow forecasts are to the nearest whole inch and presented in a range.
| Zone | Station | Thu Oct 15 | Fri Oct 16 | Total | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day | Night | Day | 36 hrs | ||||||
| Precip | Snow@ 5000' | Precip | Snow@ 5000' | Precip | Snow@ 5000' | Precip | Snow@ 5000' | ||
| Olympics | Hurricane Ridge | 0.33" | 2–4" | 0.2" | 1–3" | 0.4" | 3–5" | 0.93" | 7–11" |
| West North | Mt Baker Ski Area | 0.43" | 3–5" | 0.55" | 5–7" | 0.65" | 5–9" | 1.63" | 13–19" |
| West Central | Mt Loop — Barlow Pass | 0.48" | 4–6" | 0.5" | 4–6" | 0.58" | 5–7" | 1.56" | 13–19" |
| West South | Crystal Mountain | 0.07" | T–1" | 0.14" | 0.5–2" | 0.27" | 2–4" | 0.48" | 4–6" |
| Paradise | 0.55" | 5–7" | 0.7" | 5–9" | 0.63" | 5–7" | 1.88" | 16–22" | |
| White Pass | 0.3" | 2–4" | 0.68" | 5–9" | 0.33" | 2–4" | 1.31" | 11–15" | |
| Mt St Helens | 0.3" | 2–4" | 0.68" | 5–9" | 0.33" | 2–4" | 1.31" | 11–15" | |
| Stevens Pass | Stevens Pass | 0.3" | 2–4" | 0.43" | 3–5" | 0.5" | 4–6" | 1.23" | 10–14" |
| Snoqualmie Pass | Snoqualmie Pass | 0.35" | 3–5" | 0.45" | 4–6" | 0.65" | 5–9" | 1.45" | 12–18" |
| East North | Washington Pass | 0.28" | 2–4" | 0.3" | 2–4" | 0.41" | 3–5" | 0.99" | 8–12" |
| East Central | Mission Ridge | 0.12" | 0.5–2" | 0.05" | T–1" | 0.08" | 0.5–2" | 0.25" | 2–4" |
| Salmon la Sac — Gallagher Head | 0.3" | 2–4" | 0.3" | 2–4" | 0.4" | 3–5" | 1" | 8–12" | |
| East South | Tieton River — Darland Mt | 0.15" | 1–3" | 0.24" | 1–3" | 0.28" | 2–4" | 0.67" | 5–9" |
| Mt Hood | Mt Hood Meadows | 0.25" | 2–4" | 0.35" | 3–5" | 0.1" | 0.5–2" | 0.7" | 5–9" |
| Timberline | 0.3" | 2–4" | 0.4" | 3–5" | 0.12" | 0.5–2" | 0.82" | 6–10" | |
| Station | Day | Night | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Precip | Snow@ 5000' | Precip | Snow@ 5000' | |
| Olympics | ||||
| Hurricane Ridge | 0.33" | 2–4" | 0.2" | 1–3" |
| West North | ||||
| Mt Baker Ski Area | 0.43" | 3–5" | 0.55" | 5–7" |
| West Central | ||||
| Mt Loop — Barlow Pass | 0.48" | 4–6" | 0.5" | 4–6" |
| West South | ||||
| Crystal Mountain | 0.07" | T–1" | 0.14" | 0.5–2" |
| Paradise | 0.55" | 5–7" | 0.7" | 5–9" |
| White Pass | 0.3" | 2–4" | 0.68" | 5–9" |
| Mt St Helens | 0.3" | 2–4" | 0.68" | 5–9" |
| Stevens Pass | ||||
| Stevens Pass | 0.3" | 2–4" | 0.43" | 3–5" |
| Snoqualmie Pass | ||||
| Snoqualmie Pass | 0.35" | 3–5" | 0.45" | 4–6" |
| East North | ||||
| Washington Pass | 0.28" | 2–4" | 0.3" | 2–4" |
| East Central | ||||
| Mission Ridge | 0.12" | 0.5–2" | 0.05" | T–1" |
| Salmon la Sac — Gallagher Head | 0.3" | 2–4" | 0.3" | 2–4" |
| East South | ||||
| Tieton River — Darland Mt | 0.15" | 1–3" | 0.24" | 1–3" |
| Mt Hood | ||||
| Mt Hood Meadows | 0.25" | 2–4" | 0.35" | 3–5" |
| Timberline | 0.3" | 2–4" | 0.4" | 3–5" |
Day 5 am–5 pm PDTNight 5 pm–5 am PDTSnowT–2", 1–7", 5–16", 12"+
Precipitation and Snow (in)
Precipitation: Water Equivalent (WE) is the liquid water equivalent of all precipitation types; rain, snow, ice pellets, etc. and forecast to the hundredth of an inch at specific locations. Snow: Forecast at the same locations as precipitation but at 5,000’ in elevation. Snow forecasts are to the nearest whole inch and presented in a range.
| Zone | Station | Thu Oct 15 | Thu Oct 15 – Fri Oct 16 | Total | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day only | Night + Day | 36 hrs | |||||
| Precip | Snow@ 5000' | Precip | Snow@ 5000' | Precip | Snow@ 5000' | ||
| Olympics | Hurricane Ridge | 0.33" | 2–4" | 0.6" | 5–7" | 0.93" | 7–11" |
| West North | Mt Baker Ski Area | 0.43" | 3–5" | 1.2" | 10–14" | 1.63" | 13–19" |
| West Central | Mt Loop — Barlow Pass | 0.48" | 4–6" | 1.08" | 9–13" | 1.56" | 13–19" |
| West South | Crystal Mountain | 0.07" | T–1" | 0.41" | 3–5" | 0.48" | 4–6" |
| Paradise | 0.55" | 5–7" | 1.33" | 11–15" | 1.88" | 16–22" | |
| White Pass | 0.3" | 2–4" | 1.01" | 8–12" | 1.31" | 11–15" | |
| Mt St Helens | 0.3" | 2–4" | 1.01" | 8–12" | 1.31" | 11–15" | |
| Stevens Pass | Stevens Pass | 0.3" | 2–4" | 0.93" | 7–11" | 1.23" | 10–14" |
| Snoqualmie Pass | Snoqualmie Pass | 0.35" | 3–5" | 1.1" | 9–13" | 1.45" | 12–18" |
| East North | Washington Pass | 0.28" | 2–4" | 0.71" | 5–9" | 0.99" | 8–12" |
| East Central | Mission Ridge | 0.12" | 0.5–2" | 0.13" | 0.5–2" | 0.25" | 2–4" |
| Salmon la Sac — Gallagher Head | 0.3" | 2–4" | 0.7" | 5–9" | 1" | 8–12" | |
| East South | Tieton River — Darland Mt | 0.15" | 1–3" | 0.52" | 4–6" | 0.67" | 5–9" |
| Mt Hood | Mt Hood Meadows | 0.25" | 2–4" | 0.45" | 4–6" | 0.7" | 5–9" |
| Timberline | 0.3" | 2–4" | 0.52" | 4–6" | 0.82" | 6–10" | |
| Station | Day only | |
|---|---|---|
| Precip | Snow@ 5000' | |
| Olympics | ||
| Hurricane Ridge | 0.33" | 2–4" |
| West North | ||
| Mt Baker Ski Area | 0.43" | 3–5" |
| West Central | ||
| Mt Loop — Barlow Pass | 0.48" | 4–6" |
| West South | ||
| Crystal Mountain | 0.07" | T–1" |
| Paradise | 0.55" | 5–7" |
| White Pass | 0.3" | 2–4" |
| Mt St Helens | 0.3" | 2–4" |
| Stevens Pass | ||
| Stevens Pass | 0.3" | 2–4" |
| Snoqualmie Pass | ||
| Snoqualmie Pass | 0.35" | 3–5" |
| East North | ||
| Washington Pass | 0.28" | 2–4" |
| East Central | ||
| Mission Ridge | 0.12" | 0.5–2" |
| Salmon la Sac — Gallagher Head | 0.3" | 2–4" |
| East South | ||
| Tieton River — Darland Mt | 0.15" | 1–3" |
| Mt Hood | ||
| Mt Hood Meadows | 0.25" | 2–4" |
| Timberline | 0.3" | 2–4" |
Day 5 am–5 pm PDTNight 5 pm–5 am PDTSnowT–2", 1–7", 5–16", 12"+
Snow and Freezing Level (ft)
The snow level forecast represents the general snow level over a 6 hr time period. Snow level is defined as the elevation that snow begins to accumulate on natural surfaces. Snow may accumulate even when the surface temperature is slightly above freezing. Freezing levels are forecast when precipitation is not expected. Freezing levels often drop rapidly with the onset of precipitation. During periods with temperature inversions, there may be multiple freezing levels. We forecast the freezing level that most users will experience in the mountains.
| Zone | Thu Oct 15Day | Thu Oct 15Night | Fri Oct 16Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Night | Morning | Afternoon | |
| Olympics | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level |
| West North | 1,000' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level |
| West Central | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level |
| West South | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level |
| Stevens Pass | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level |
| Snoqualmie Pass | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level |
| East North | 500' snow level | 1,000' snow level | 500' snow level | 500' snow level | 1,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level |
| East Central | 1,000' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,000' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level |
| East South | 1,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,000' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level |
| Mt Hood | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 3,000' snow level |
| Zone | Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympics | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level |
| West North | 1,000' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level |
| West Central | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level |
| West South | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,000' snow level |
| Stevens Pass | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level |
| Snoqualmie Pass | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level |
| East North | 500' snow level | 1,000' snow level | 500' snow level | 500' snow level |
| East Central | 1,000' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,000' snow level |
| East South | 1,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 1,500' snow level | 1,000' snow level |
| Mt Hood | 2,500' snow level | 2,500' snow level | 2,000' snow level | 2,500' snow level |
Snow level; none, freezing level<2,000', 2,000', 3,000', 4,000', 5,000', 6,000', 7,000', 8,000', 9,000', 10,000'+
5000' Temperatures (°F)
The low and high temperature at 5000’ over a 12 hr period. The 6 hr snow level forecast, overall synopsis and zone weather summary may give more detail on temperature trends.
| Zone | Thu Oct 15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Day | Night | |
| Olympics | 20° / 23° | 20° / 23° |
| West North | 20° / 23° | 20° / 23° |
| West Central | 22° / 24° | 22° / 23° |
| West South | 20° / 22° | 18° / 22° |
| Stevens Pass | 21° / 23° | 21° / 23° |
| Snoqualmie Pass | 21° / 23° | 22° / 24° |
| East North | 18° / 21° | 16° / 18° |
| East Central | 21° / 23° | 20° / 22° |
| East South | 20° / 23° | 20° / 23° |
| Mt Hood | 23° / 24° | 22° / 23° |
| Zone | Thu Oct 15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Day | Night | |
| Olympics | 20° / 23° | 20° / 23° |
| West North | 20° / 23° | 20° / 23° |
| West Central | 22° / 24° | 22° / 23° |
| West South | 20° / 22° | 18° / 22° |
| Stevens Pass | 21° / 23° | 21° / 23° |
| Snoqualmie Pass | 21° / 23° | 22° / 24° |
| East North | 18° / 21° | 16° / 18° |
| East Central | 21° / 23° | 20° / 22° |
| East South | 20° / 23° | 20° / 23° |
| Mt Hood | 23° / 24° | 22° / 23° |
Lo / Hi in 12 hours
Ridgeline Winds (mph)
Ridgeline winds represent the average wind speed and direction over a 6 hr time period. The wind forecast represents an elevation range versus a single elevation. The elevation range overlaps with the middle and upper elevation bands in the avalanche forecast and differs per zone. Wind direction () is the direction the wind is blowing from, given in degrees or cardinal direction on a 16 pt compass rose. Ex: A west (W) wind blows east (E).
| Zone | Thu Oct 15Day | Thu Oct 15Night | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Night | |
| Olympics | WSW10–15Light to occasionally Moderate | WSW10–20Light to Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | SW15–25Moderate |
| West North | WSW10–15Light to occasionally Moderate | SW10–20Light to Moderate | SW15–25Moderate | SW20–30Moderate to Strong |
| West Central | WSW10–20Light to Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | SW15–25Moderate | SW15–25Moderate |
| West South | W15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong |
| Stevens Pass | W15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate |
| Snoqualmie Pass | W15–25Moderate | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong |
| East North | W15–25Moderate | W15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | SW15–25Moderate |
| East Central | W15–25Moderate | W20–30Moderate to Strong | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong |
| East South | W15–25Moderate | W15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate |
| Mt Hood | W25–35Strong | WSW25–35Strong | WSW25–35Strong | WSW25–35Strong |
| Zone | Morning | Afternoon | Evening | Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympics | WSW10–15Light to occasionally Moderate | WSW10–20Light to Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | SW15–25Moderate |
| West North | WSW10–15Light to occasionally Moderate | SW10–20Light to Moderate | SW15–25Moderate | SW20–30Moderate to Strong |
| West Central | WSW10–20Light to Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | SW15–25Moderate | SW15–25Moderate |
| West South | W15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong |
| Stevens Pass | W15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate |
| Snoqualmie Pass | W15–25Moderate | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong |
| East North | W15–25Moderate | W15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | SW15–25Moderate |
| East Central | W15–25Moderate | W20–30Moderate to Strong | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong | WSW20–30Moderate to Strong |
| East South | W15–25Moderate | W15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate | WSW15–25Moderate |
| Mt Hood | W25–35Strong | WSW25–35Strong | WSW25–35Strong | WSW25–35Strong |
VAR: variableLight, Light to Moderate, Moderate, Moderate to Strong, Strong, Strong to Extreme, Extreme
This information is provided by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service and describes general backcountry avalanche hazard and conditions.
It does not apply to ski areas and highways where avalanche mitigation is conducted.