Seattle weather turns milder by St. Patrick’s Day with highs climbing into the upper 50s and scattered showers. (FOX 13 Seattle)
SEATTLE - Several rounds of heavy fresh snow over the last few days have increased our avalanche threat in the Cascades. There is a high risk on the western slopes. Keep in mind, the danger exists in the back country, not in the ski resorts. Use caution when heading out and be sure to stay on lower angled slopes if possible.
Heavy snow on top of very compact snow will increase avalanche danger.
What's next:
Wednesday's strong cold front will exit the area on Thursday. The wind advisory and blizzard warning will be allowed to expire early Thursday morning. By Thursday afternoon, a weak atmospheric river will set up bringing another round of lowland rain and mountain snow.
An atmospheric river sets up on Thursday and Friday with more lowland rain and heavy mountain snow.
Winter Storm Warning
Travel will remain difficult over the passes in the coming days as more snow and gusty winds will impact the Cascades. A Winter Storm Warning will be in effect beginning early Thursday morning until Saturday evening.
More heavy snow is forecast for the mountains through much of Saturday.
Afternoon highs on Thursday will remain unseasonably cool with them only in the low to mid 40s. This is about 10 degrees cooler than normal.
Unseasonably cool day on Thursday with more rain.
Even though temperatures will mostly stay above freezing early Friday, if precipitation becomes heavy enough late Thursday night into early Friday morning, there is the possibility for rain to briefly mix with or change over to snow in some lowland locations.
If that happens, minor accumulations will be possible. Grass, patio furniture, and other cooler surfaces will have a better chance of seeing snow stick compared to roads.
Seattle weather keeps accumulations uncertain, but grass and cooler surfaces could see a light coating if heavier bands develop. (FOX 13 Seattle)
If precipitation falls heavily enough, some spots could pick up a trace to a couple of inches. That will depend on whether heavier bands develop.
At this point, the chance for lowland snow below 500 feet remains low, but it is something we will continue watching closely.
Any early snow that develops Friday morning will transition back to rain by Friday afternoon.
Seattle weather turns milder by St. Patrick’s Day with highs climbing into the upper 50s and scattered showers. (FOX 13 Seattle)
Western Washington gets too much of a break in the rain as a second atmospheric river sets up early next week. Afternoon highs will warm by Tuesday and Wednesday into the low 60s.
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The Source: Information in this story came from the FOX 13 Seattle Weather Team and the National Weather Service.