SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. — A weather system that swept into western Washington on Sunday is expected to be "a prolific snow producer" in the Cascade mountains this week, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). Parts of Puget Sound could also see lowland snow later in the week.
Heavy mountain snow is expected to continue throughout the week. The next Pacific storm arrives later on Tuesday and could bring an additional 1 to 2 feet of snow through Wednesday, according to NWS. Heavy mountain snow is expected to continue Thursday.
The storm system is expected to impact mountain pass travel conditions.
The system is a good opportunity for some much-needed accumulations to rebuild snowpack in the mountains. Thanks to Seattle's unusually warm winter, snow totals are a fraction of normal.
Lowlands to see rain/snow mix in some areas
After seeing spotty areas of light snow Monday morning, mixed rain and snow showers could return to parts of western Washington through Tuesday morning. A convergence zone is expected to linger through Tuesday morning, bringing heavier showers that might produce spotty areas of an inch or two of wet snow around Snohomish and Skagit counties.
Drivers are navigating snow and slush on the roadways in those areas Tuesday morning.
Snow levels are expected to rise to 1,000 feet Tuesday afternoon and continue rising to 2,000 feet Tuesday night as the threat of lowland snow dissipates.
Rain is expected in the lowlands Wednesday through Thursday.
Snow levels are expected to drop to 500 to 1,000 feet by Friday, and the chances of a rain/snow mix at sea level return.
Mountain pass travel during snowfall
Drivers traveling over the mountain passes during periods of heavy snowfall are asked to keep a close eye on travel conditions and travel with tire chains and emergency supplies.
Check mountain passes
Here is what WSDOT suggests drivers pack in their emergency drive kit when traveling in hazardous weather:
- Flashlight
- Batteries
- Blanket
- Snacks
- Water
- Gloves
- Boots
- First-aid kit
- Tire chains
- Ice scraper/snowbrush
- Jumper cables
- Road flares
