Weekend Storm

This weekend we are monitoring the potential for weather impacts across the region as an Atmospheric River takes aim at the area.   While the weather will differ depending on your location, there are several items we are monitoring including moderate to heavy rain, some mountain snow, wintry mix potential for the Methow Valley, and windy conditions.

Here is one model depiction of an Atmospheric River aimed at the region Saturday night.

00Z Dec 16th GEFS forecast of Integrated WVT valid 10 PM PST Dec 19th, 2020

But you may be asking, what is an Atmospheric River?  Basically it is a column of very moist air containing high amounts of water vapor that gets transported towards the west coast by moderate to strong winds.   The graphic below contains lots of information, but worth a read for those wanting to know more, with this link also providing more information.

So what kind of impacts will this lead to this weekend?  First let's begin with the warmer temperatures.  

WARMER TEMPERATURES

Some of the raw model data suggests Spokane could reach 50 degrees as noted by the big upward spike in temperatures Saturday night into Sunday

Various model forecasts of surface temperatures for Spokane Airport through Dec 20th, 2020

The Tri-Cities area could reach 60 degrees.

Various model forecasts of surface temperatures for Pasco through Dec 20th, 2020

And the warmup isn't just for Spokane.  This model depiction during the peak of the warmer air shows freezing levels possibly reaching 6000-9000 feet MSL.

12z Dec 16th UW WRF-GFS forecast of freezing level (MSL) valid 4 AM PST Dec 20th

WINDY CONDITIONS

In addition to the warmer temperatures, models show an area of enhanced winds across the Columbia Basin, Palouse, and up into the Spokane area. 

12z Dec 16th GFS model forecast of 850mb winds (shaded) and heights valid 4 AM PST Dec 20th

These are winds at about 4500 feet MSL, which is about 2000-3000 feet above ground level.  For those looking closely at the legend, those red colors correspond to 50-65 kt (55-70 MPH) winds!   Winds at this level can represent wind gust potential but it all comes down to mixing of the lower atmosphere as to wind gusts that are experienced at the surface.  Typically in these more stable atmosphere regimes the higher gusts don't reach the surface with model guidance suggesting wind gusts of 40-55 MPH being a more probable outcome, but something we will continue to monitor.

PRECIPITATION

What about precipitation?  Here is one model depiction starting 4 PM Saturday.

12z Dec 16th GFS 6 hour precipitation rate and precip type valid 4 PM PST Dec 19th

It looks like precipitation type is mainly rain with mountain snow up near the Canadian border.  Some model output suggest some of the mountain passes may start off as snow with possible accumulations.  Also note the pink area in the above graphic around the Methow Valley where cold air often has a harder time scrubbing out.  This denotes a potential wintry mix.

Fast forward now to 4 AM Sunday.

12z Dec 16th GFS 6 hour precipitation rate and precip type valid 4 AM PST Dec 20th

As warmer air surges north, rain is the main precipitation type even up to the Canadian border, with rain intensity increasing in the Cascades as noted by the orange and red colors.  What is interesting though is the lack of significant precipitation in Central and Eastern Washington.  While these Atmospheric Rivers have an abundance of moisture, the strong winds often "ring out" much of the precipitation over the Cascades, with downslope flow off the Cascades leading to a drier conditions in Eastern Washington and especially Central Washington.  Here is one model depiction of 24 hour precipitation highlighting this

12z Dec 19th GFS forecast of 24 hour precipitation ending 10 AM PST Sunday, Dec 20th

SNOW MELT AND HYDROLOGY OUTLOOK

Here is the latest snow analysis as of this morning, Dec 16th.

Modeled Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) valid 8 AM PST December 16th, 2020

The warmer temperatures and breezy to windy weather this weekend will melt much of the lower level snow pack leading to rises on small streams.  Thankfully the incoming Atmospheric River will be of shorter duration (24-36 hours) over our region.  This combined with the lower stream flows to start should keep the flooding threat low.  Although the best combination of warmer temperatures, snow melt will be over the Palouse area so will be monitoring Paradise Creek.  The Cascades will see a burst of heavy precipitation, but the deep snow pack may absorb much of the rain for the East Slopes of the Cascades.  But in Western Washington, some rivers may reach flood stage based on forecasts as of this morning.

River Forecast Center Max Flood forecast page.  See link below for latest forecasts

For the latest river forecasts, click here

In summary, expect an active weekend with a wide variety of expected weather.  Stay informed of latest forecasts.  And for those wondering about having a White Christmas, not much has changed with our thinking since the last blog post through the 20th, which can be found here.  There is low confidence with the Dec 21nd-22nd forecast as models are not in good agreement with a possible weather system during this period.  Yet another opportunity for precipitation may arrive on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day so stay tuned for updates.

White Christmas this year?

Many of you may be wondering about odds of a White Christmas this year.  Snow has covered the ground recently in many areas, but will it stick around until Christmas?  What about the outlook for Christmas Day?

First let's start with the climatological odds of a White Christmas.  As always, the odds depend on where you live as the map below shows

Odds of a White Christmas, defined as 1" of snow or more on the ground, based on historical data shows the odds increase as you travel northward in the Columbia Basin up into the Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area.  And along the East Slopes of the Cascades, northern mountains, and Idaho Panhandle mountains the odds are very high (>90%).  There is a great article explaining this map here that has more background information, including an interactive map.

You may be saying ok these are the historic odds, but what about this year?  Let's start with where we have snow.  The map below from December 13th shows water content in the snow, which isn't much where most people live.  

Modeled Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) valid 4 AM PST Dec 13th, 2020

And the latest CoCoRaHS map from today (Dec 14th) shows many of these locations only have between 1-4" of snow on the ground, except for higher amounts around Republic and the upper Methow Valley.

CoCoRaHS map of Max Observed Snow Depth Dec 13-14th, 2020

For an interactive version of this map, click here

Why all this talk about what is on the ground now?  Because many areas may have a hard time keeping it.  More on that in a minute.  First it is worth mentioning that some areas will get more snow this week.   But snow levels will be gradually increasing.  The latest forecast for your location can be found at weather.gov/spokane

Temperatures are forecast to warm up this week, especially over the weekend.  This may melt much of the snow over the region.

Here are the forecast temperatures this week for Spokane, Omak, Lewiston, and Wenatchee.

NWS Forecast Temperatures issued 3 AM PST Dec 14th, 2020

Why the big warmup this weekend?  A mild Pacific jet stream aimed at the region

12z/Dec 14th GEFS forecast of 250mb winds (shaded), and MSLP valid 4 AM PST Dec 20th, 2020

And this particular model solution depicts warm southwest winds across much of the area.

12z/Dec 14th GFS forecast of 850mb winds (shaded) and heights valid 4 AM PDT Dec 20th, 2020

Mild temperatures and wind can melt snow very quickly.  Thus, there is a good chance of a complete snow melt off across the Columbia Basin, Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area, southward through the Palouse if these model solutions verify.  Tougher call for the northern valleys.  The Cascade valleys should have enough of an established snowpack to keep snow on the ground.

This takes us through December 20th.  So for areas that lose all their snow this weekend, will the snow return in time for Christmas?  This is getting far out into the forecast, but there has been some hint of a potential system with lower snow levels Dec 21-22nd.

12z/Dec 14th GEFS forecast of 500mb heights and anomaly valid 10 PM PST Dec 21th, 2020

Confidence isn't high, but some areas could get some snow out of it.  After that there are signs of high pressure trying to build over the region in time for Christmas.  But it's not very strong which could open the door to some weaker systems.  Of course this is more than a week out so confidence in the details is low.

12z/Dec 14th GEFS forecast of 500mb heights and anomaly valid 4 AM PST Dec 25th, 2020

In conclusion, a white Christmas defined at 1" or more of snow on the ground is a good bet for the Cascade valleys, and possible for the northern valleys into the Idaho Panhandle.  From the Wenatchee area through the Columbia Basin, Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area, Palouse, and Lewiston-Clarkston Valley a White Christmas is possible if new snow coats the landscape after the weekend warm up.  

Thanksgiving Pattern Change

For the past few days several of the long range forecast models have been advertising a pattern change starting around Thanksgiving, and persisting through at least early December.  What does this mean?  We will get to that in a little bit.

Outlook through Thanksgiving Eve

First, let's discuss the weather leading up to Thanksgiving.  This graphic sums it up

After a dry weekend, the potential exists for light snow Monday morning in some areas which could make for a slick morning commute.  Then Tuesday into Wednesday another system moves in for more unsettled weather especially over the mountain passes.  If you do have pre-Thanksgiving travel plans keep this in mind.  Here is what the weather pattern looks like for Tuesday and Wednesday - as this will provide a nice comparison for what may lie ahead after that.

12z Nov 20th GEFS Model forecast of 500mb heights and anomaly valid 4 AM PST Nov 25th, 2020

Note the cooler (blue) colors over our region as a weather system is passing through.

Thanksgiving onward

Starting on Thanksgiving and going through the rest of November, we notice a change in the weather pattern according to this latest model ensemble forecast from the US GEFS Model.

12z Nov 20th GEFS Model forecast of 5 day averaged 500mb heights and anomaly valid Nov 26-Dec 1st, 2020

What we can see is a zonal (west to east) flow pattern taking over the Pacific, with a milder west to southwest flow for our region.  The pattern energizes further going into early December based on this ensemble model output.

12z Nov 20th GEFS Model forecast of 5 day averaged 500mb heights and anomaly valid Dec 1st-6th, 2020

But this is just one model ensemble system (US GEFS).  Since we are 12-16 days out into the future, we need to examine other ensemble systems to gage confidence in this solution.  

Here is the Canadian version valid Nov 30th-Dec 5th

12z Nov 20th GEPS Model forecast of 5 day averaged 500mb heights and anomaly valid Nov 30-Dec 5th, 2020

Pretty close agreement which increases our confidence.  Mild southwest flow very prevalent from this solution.  Another ensemble system, European (not shown), agrees with this idea.   Thus confidence is a little higher than typical for a 1-2 week prediction for this pattern to set up.

Here is a closer look at a typical jet stream setup with this pattern, with this specific model solution valid Dec 3rd.

12z Nov 20th GEFS Model forecast of 500 mb heights and winds valid 4 am PST Dec 3rd, 2020

This shows the jet stream north of our area, which is a mild pattern.  This is especially true over Central Canada with the influx of mild Pacific air.  Below is the US GEFS predition of temperature anomalies at 850 mb (~4500 feet MSL).

12z Nov 20th GEFS Model forecast of 850mb temperature anomalies valid Dec 1-6th, 2020

Note no large cold anomalies anywhere close to our region.  Note this pattern can bring inversions which could hold down temperatures in some areas of the Inland NW.  And here is the Canadian version, really going for the mild temps Nov 30th-Dec 5.

12z Nov 20th GEPS Model forecast of 850mb temperature anomalies valid Nov 30th-Dec 5th, 2020

What do the CPC outlooks suggest?  Here is the outlook issued November 20th valid Nov 28-Dec 4th.

Climate Prediction Center 8-14 day temperature (left) and precipitation (right) outlook issued Nov 20th valid Nov 28th-Dec 4th, 2020

Elevated odds of warmer than normal temperatures, with about normal precipitation.

You may be asking, what is up with these milder temperatures, aren't we in a La Nina Winter?  Why yes we are, but it is not uncommon to have atmospheric patterns change since La Nina is only one factor that influences our weather.  So don't expect this pattern to last forever.  

Complex Storm - More heavy wet snow for some

For those monitoring your local weather forecast, you may have noticed some big changes in the past 24 hours depending on your location. Some model solutions a couple days ago were showing potentially strong winds on Saturday. How those details have changed! Now the storm is evolving into a snow maker, and coming in faster with snow starting this evening in North Central Washington, and then late evening and overnight across NE Washington into the Idaho Panhandle.  This has prompted the issuance of several Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories!

Timing

The tricky part of this forecast is snow accumulations as temperatures in many areas will be hovering near the freezing mark. Will get more into this in a little bit, so let's talk timing of rain and snow. 

12z Nov 12th NAM 3 km model run of precipitation type/intensity

The above animation reflects one model run, so actually timing and precipitation type may vary.  As you can see, most areas across northern Washington into the Idaho Panhandle will see snow, as well as the palouse.  Also note the snow for the morning commute for much of NE Washington and North Idaho.  Allow extra time for your morning commute.

The I-90 corridor from Moses Lake to Ritzville and areas south and east towards the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley should see mainly rain.

Snow Amounts

What about snow amounts?  Models have trended towards increasing snow amounts.  For example, here is a loop of the past three model morning runs from the UW WRF GFS.

UW WRF-GFS 24 hour snow accumulation forecast ending 4 PM PST Friday from three model runs since Tuesday, Nov 10th.

At the top right of the image you will see the date the model was run (after Init:), with the latest run (Nov 12th being the last image).  Legend of amounts is at the bottom.  You can see the latest image has really increased the snow amounts across portions of Eastern Washington and north Idaho with 6+ inches in many areas even some localized amounts near a foot! But can we believe it?

Well, another model we look at, the European model, is hitting NE Washington and N Idaho with anomalous snow as noted by the light blue shading which would support the heavy snow threat.

Another way of looking at potential accumulations is through model ensemble forecasts.  This is a model run multiple times just with slightly different initial conditions to give us a better idea of uncertainty in the forecast.  As you'll see below Spokane carries high uncertainty with a large spread in snow amounts while Pullman carries greater confidence 2-3".

15z Nov 12th SREF Model forecast of snowfall for Spokane Airport and Pullman through 4 PM PST Friday

Why is this the case?  Temperatures will be near the freezing mark Friday morning but should be moderating above freezing by mid to late morning.  But the longer temperatures stay near freezing, the higher the amounts will be.

Here is our snow forecast as of Thursday afternoon:

NWS Snowfall forecast issued 230 PM PST November 12th, 2020 valid 4 PM Nov 12- 4 PM Nov 13

Reminder, the NWS will continue to evaluate the snow forecast and these values may change.  For the latest forecast for your area, go to our web page weather.gov/spokane for the latest forecasts.

Here is some additional snowfall probabilistic guidance we receive at the NWS based on multiple model/ensemble forecasts.  Here is what they are showing for chances of exceeding these thresholds:

2" or more

4" or more

8" or more

The snow we get will endure some melting in the afternoon, with high temperatures warming into the upper 30s to low 40s in many valleys.

In summary, get ready for more snow.  Most areas across northern Washington into the Idaho Panhandle will see snow, as well as the palouse.  Also note the snow for the morning commute for much of NE Washington and North Idaho.  Allow extra time for your morning commute.

La Nina - Does this mean a harsh 2020-21 winter?

After high winds and even snow already hitting parts of the region in October, many may be wondering what this winter will bring.  In this blog we dive into the Winter 2020-21 outlook, so lets get to it.

Some of you may have already heard about the upcoming La Nina winter.  What does this mean for the Inland NW?  Let’s take a look at the general pattern that often sets up during a La Nina.

Typical La Nina pattern

Typically the jet stream enters into the region from the northwest bringing in cooler temperatures and precipitation.  This is a good combination for snow lovers, with just about all locations historically receiving above normal snowfall.  But not every La Nina brings above normal snow! Here is a locally developed map showing percent of normal snowfall for all La Nina years from 1950-2015 based on historical snow data for all our COOP sites as well as airports.

% of normal snow La Nina years 1950-2015

This map is interactive, link here. Snow charts are available like the one below for all sites on the map by either clicking on the number icon on the map, or by selecting a city to the right of the map.

Spokane snowfall (inches) based on ENSO.  Red line is average snow for all years 1950-2015 

It is worth noting however that every La Nina is different, as shown by snow totals for all La Nina winters in Spokane since 1950

Spokane snowfall for each La Nina year since 1950

The reason for the difference is another oscillations in the atmosphere that impact our weather during a winter.  La Nina is only one piece of the puzzle.

So what will this La Nina bring?  Let’s take a look at the Sea Surface temperature anomalies in the Central and Eastern Equatorial Pacific from Oct 4-31st, 2020.

Wow, that is a lot of blue in the equatorial Pacific!  A large area of cooler than normal waters which continues to cool with time.  Anything colder than -1.5C that persists for a duration of three months or more in the central and eastern Equatorial Pacific (Nino 3.4 region) would be classified as a strong La Nina. 

This particular model has a good handle on the current anomalies, suggesting a strong La Nina this winter with the cold anomalies bottoming out near -2.0C.  Each line in the image is one ensemble member forecast amongst the same model.

CFS Model of Nino 3.4 SST anomalies

Past strong La Nina years

We thought it would be interesting to look back and previous Strong La Nina episodes to see what happened.  Here we will look at 3 of the past 4 events.

2010-11

The last strong La Nina year was 2010-11.  This was a harsh winter in terms of several cold air outbreaks.  Republic had four episodes where lows dropped below 0F, with the coldest low -14F. The blue bars on this graph are the observed temperatures for each day.

Republic temperatures Oct 2010-Mar 2011

Similar story for Pullman, with temps as low as -12F that winter

Pullman temperatures Oct 2010-Mar 2011

2007-08

Lots and lots of snow this winter.  Spokane had 92.6” for the season with January and February bringing frequent rounds of it along with drifting snow like this image from NWS Spokane on Feb 7th, 2008.

NWS Spokane February 7th, 2008

And Sandpoint an impressive 122.8”!

Sandpoint accumulated snowfall Oct 2007-Apr 2008

1998-99

This La Nina winter broke records in terms of mountain snow.  A very active jet stream brought frequent rounds of heavy mountain snow.  The map below shows horizontal wind speed anomalies for the winter with the enhanced jet stream aimed at the region

Observed zonal wind anomaly Nov 1, 1998 - Feb 28, 1999

Mount Baker in the Northern Cascades of Washington measured 1,140”, claiming this to be a world record!

Mt Baker snow totals with the 1998-99 noted as a world record

But the strong influx of milder air off the Pacific didn’t mean a snowy winter for many of the lower elevations.   Here is a temperature graph from Moses Lake (brown shade is the normal range while the blue bars are observed).  You can see temperatures were above normal for much of the winter, except for one cold spell just before Christmas.

Moses Lake temperatures Oct 1, 1998 - Feb 28, 1999

2020-21?

So what about this winter?  Lots of possibilities based on some of the recent strong La Nina years.  Here are the latest CPC outlooks.

CPC Dec 2020 - Feb 2021 Temperature Outlook issued Oct 15th, 2020

CPC Dec 2020 - Feb 2021 Precipitation Outlook issued Oct 15th, 2020

These outlooks suggests slightly elevated odds of cooler and wetter than normal conditions.

What are the climate models suggesting?  An active Pacific jet with above normal precipitation as noted by the green shading on the second image, and about normal or slightly above normal temperatures.

NMME forecast of temperature anomaly Dec 2020 - Feb 2021

NMME forecast of precipitation anomaly Dec 2020 - Feb 2021

It is worth noting though that the climate models can often capture the details of La Nina well, but often miss other less predictable factors that vary on the time scale of weeks. 

So what flavor of winter will this La Nina bring? La Nina winters historically bring above normal snowfall, so be prepared for an active winter.