Snow comes to Snoqualmie Valley, Winter Weather Advisory Canceled

UPDATE |  DECEMBER 6TH, 6AM

Sorry snow fans – overnight the National Weather Service canceled the winter weather advisory it had issued only late Monday afternoon.

So no convergence zone formed. No snow materialized. Temperatures plummeted as predicted though, with Snoqualmie reporting 24 degrees early this morning.

There’s another shot for snow on Thursday morning – so stay tuned for more updates on that one. In the meantime – drive safely and watch for icy roads.

UPDATE |  DECEMBER 5th, 9:30AM

It may not have delayed or canceled school, but snow did make its way into the Snoqualmie Valley early Monday, starting around 7AM and picking up in intensity around 8:30AM. In total 1-2 inches were reported.

Drivers have reported very slick roads on Snoqualmie Ridge, with long backups on Snoqualmie Parkway approaching I-90. A dump truck and other stalled vehicles had Snoqualmie Parkway blocked on the hill near Jacobia Street for awhile – and around 9AM a disabled bus in the left lane of the EB I-90 exit to SR 18 also had traffic backed up.

City of Snoqualmie plows were out working, though, and said at 9:45AM that Snoqualmie Parkway was open and that disabled bus was cleared from the 90 off ramp.

Snow plows have also been working in the Wilderness Rim area of North Bend to clear and sand Cedar Falls Way and other Rim roads.

The chance of snow is predicted to hang around through noon (when winter weather advisory ends) and then turn to [rain/snow] showers and warm up a bit to 35-40 degrees. Colder air is predicted to filter in Monday evening, dropping temperatures below freezing overnight.

There also a chance at seeing more snow Monday night. A Winter Weather Advisory was issued that runs from the afternoon of December 5th through late 6AM on December 6th. Most Puget Sound areas should see a trace to one inch of snow – and up to three inches IF a convergence zone forms.

Originally the National Weather Service issued a Winter Storm Watch, but Monday afternoon replaced it with the latest advisory for lesser amounts of possible snow.

Highs on Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to only hit the low 30’s. Warmer temperatures and rain are expected by Thursday.

ORIGINAL STORY

After a pretty warm AND wet November, not to mention hardly any snow events for the past four years, it looks like a little taste of winter is heading toward the Puget Sound region. Key word: LITTLE.

As far as snow goes – it isn’t a big event, but could possibly give kids (and snow fans) and bit of winter excitement Monday morning.  The National Weather Service even issued a Winter Weather Advisory to give folks a heads up that a little bit of white stuff – say maybe 2 inches tops may dust grass and windshields tomorrow morning/early afternoon.

Forecasting snow is difficult in Western Washington – and this minor brush is no exception. UW Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, Cliff Mass gives the area a 75% chance of seeing a little snow on Monday, but says roads will still be warm and any snow that does show up probably will not impact your commute.

The cold air that started impacting the Snoqualmie Valley overnight is predicted to hang around until Thursday, December 8th. Some areas of the Valley were reporting snow and a rain/snow mix Sunday morning, with temperatures only in the mid 30’s. Wilderness Rim at 1,000 feet, appeared to be winning the snow lottery this morning. Sunday’s high might hit 40, but then colder air takes over and highs shouldn’t make it past the mid 30’s until Thursday approaches.

As far as the Winter Weather Advisory that was issued – it goes into effect from 4AM, Monday, December 5th and runs through noon. According to NWS, up to 2 inches of snow is possible (not guaranteed) mainly above elevations above 500 feet – which is a lot of areas of the Snoqualmie Valley.

Oh, and if you’re heading over Snoqualmie Pass – be careful. They’ve been getting a snow dumping for the past 24 hours, picking up a foot or so of snow. Chains are also required due to the heavy snow.

Stay warm Snoqualmie Valley!