Wintry weather returns today, mountain snow and High Desert Rain

Today will be a mix of rain and snow as an area of low pressure moves overhead and drags much cooler than normal air over the region. The low will have enough moisture to provide us with rain most of the day. 

There are Winter Weather Advisories in place for most of the viewing area today and they will be in place through Sunday. The first one is over the Cascades as that area is in line with getting over 6 inches of snow above 6000 feet. Traveling through mountain passes this weekend will be tricky and slick. This is slated to expire Sunday morning at 11 am.  

The second advisory is for the High Desert, including most of Crook, eastern Deschutes and Jefferson Counties. This advisory is in place through Sunday night. Snow will wrap back into the region late in the day and we can get as much as 3 inches of snow below 4000 feet and as much as 6” on the Ochoco Mountains. 

This snow will be mingled with rain as the day moves along and there will more than likely be more rain than snow at lower elevations. I am expecting to see soaking rain all weekend. This rain will be beneficial to the budding plants as Spring is here and the flowers are in bloom in some spots. 

Rivers and creeks may run fast and full by Sunday night as the rain will fall on some snow already on the mountains. This will allow for the snowmelt to combine with the rain for a “double dip” of moisture. I am not expecting any flooding, but some rivers and creeks may hit close to bank full.  

Highs today and Sunday will be in the upper 40s, warm enough for rain, but cold enough for us to need a jacket. 

Please monitor the Red Banner at the top of the page to keep up on the latest weather alerts as they change frequently. 

Stay safe. 

 
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