Gray and dreary pattern into the weekend, mountain snow returns

Although there may not be much rainfall measured in the gauges this weekend, there will not be much sunshine either.  Clouds will persist over the region, along with light rain and mist, through at least Saturday.  A persistent cloud bank will be over the region as moisture moves in from the Pacific.

The mountains are likely to be the blocking force that will keep most of the precipitation from reaching the High Desert.  There will be snow on the crests of the Cascades for the next few days, and some indications are that several inches of snow will fall above 6000 feet.  The bulk of the snow will fall on the west face or the windward side of the mountains, allowing for drier surfaces on the lee side.

There will be a “rain shadow” effect going on this weekend, meaning that the west face of the mountains receives the snow and rain, effectively “raining out” the clouds, and anything east of the crests will be much less impacted by the rain or snow.

Friday will be cloudy with a chance for some light rain and mountain snow, Saturday will be less rainy, but still cloudy.  Only a stray shower is possible Saturday as we transition to a drier pattern Sunday.

Sunday will be variably cloudy as we are still getting clouds and moisture from the Pacific, but on Monday and Tuesday a break from the rain arrives.

Travel over the passes tonight and Friday morning may be impacted by some slushy or wet snow.

Currently there is a Winter Weather Advisory issued for counties all along the Cascades until Midnight Friday into Saturday. Snow levels overnight will lower to around 4500 feet so allow extra time to get to your destination.

Stay Safe.
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