Washington State Braces for Back-to-Back Winter Storms Bringing Feet of Mountain Snow and Wind Impacts This Week
WASHINGTON STATE — After a relatively quiet start to winter, January is finally beginning to behave like January across Washington, with two strong Pacific storm systems expected to impact the region back-to-back this week. Forecast data shows significant snowfall focused in the Cascade and Olympic Mountains, along with windy, wet, and colder conditions in surrounding lowland areas.
These storms are originating from the Gulf of Alaska and are not atmospheric river events, but they are still expected to be major snow producers at higher elevations, according to the data shown.
First Storm Arrives Tuesday With Wind and Heavy Mountain Snow
The first storm moves into Washington early Tuesday morning, bringing a cool, windy day statewide, especially west of the Cascades. Wind Advisories are in effect for northern areas, including Whatcom County, Bellingham, and the San Juan Islands, where gusts of 40–50 mph are possible.
For the Seattle and Puget Sound region, winds are expected to remain lower, generally 25–35 mph, but still enough to produce a noticeable wind chill. Periods of steady rain are likely across the lowlands throughout the day.
In the mountains, conditions become far more serious. Forecast snowfall totals show 10–20 inches of snow at Snoqualmie Pass, with 1 to 2 feet or more expected at Stevens Pass, creating hazardous travel conditions through mountain corridors.
Second Storm Intensifies Snow Totals Through Thursday
The second storm arrives Wednesday into Thursday, reinforcing cold air and continuing precipitation. This system is expected to add another 1–2 feet of snow in the mountains, pushing total snowfall amounts to 2–4 feet across the Cascades and Olympics by the time the storms conclude.
Colder air behind the system will also lower snow levels, possibly dropping them to 700–1,200 feet in far northern Puget Sound areas. In some higher-elevation lowland zones, brief rain-snow mix or wet snow may occur late Thursday into Thursday night.
Travel Impacts and What Happens Next
While lowland snow accumulation is not expected to be widespread, mountain travel will become increasingly dangerous, especially over passes, with Winter Storm Warnings in effect from Monday night through Thursday.
By Friday, high pressure is expected to slowly rebuild, allowing showers to taper off and conditions to gradually improve. Saturday looks mostly dry, and longer-range outlooks suggest a trend toward milder and drier weather next week, though morning fog and frost could develop in some areas.
Residents planning travel through Washington’s mountain regions should monitor conditions closely, allow extra time, and prepare for rapidly changing winter weather. Stay connected with SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com for continued updates as conditions evolve across the Pacific Northwest.
