NORTH SOUND, DEC. 23: On Sunday morning, the winter solstice ushered in the winter season. Monday was the first full day of winter, and two weeks into the month, it now actually feels like winter outside.
Much cooler yet seasonable weather is underway following the warm, wet weather pattern from the beginning of the month. Snow levels have plummeted well below mountain pass highway levels, bringing an end to any further rain runoff into North Sound rivers.
This cooler weather pattern is forecast to continue through at least the end of the year, with no sign of any return of a warm, soggy weather pattern.
Much quieter and calmer weather is expected through Christmas Day, Thursday, Dec. 25, with scattered light showers and mountain snow levels of 2,000 to 3,000 feet.
Storm damage update
All North Sound rivers have receded below flood stage, including the Skagit, Skykomish, and Snohomish Rivers.
Storm clean-up and damage assessment is underway. Visit your Snohomish, Skagit, and Island County emergency management webpages for information on where storm damage debris can be delivered, as well as where to report damage assessments for homes and businesses.
Damage assessment information will be a key element in applying for a disaster declaration that, once signed by the President, will release federal resources that can help communities more fully recover from the flood, windstorm, and landslide disaster.
White Christmas?
For those who would like a White Christmas, the mountains will be the place to be. In the North Sound lowlands, high temperatures will rise only into the 40s with lows in the 30s. If there is any snow on the ground, the best chance would be in parts of Western Whatcom County and in the foothills well away from Puget Sound and the Salish Sea.
Ski areas open, mountain weather
If planning to drive over the Cascade passes for the holiday period, snow levels will remain at or below all highway passes this week. Road crews will help keep roadways clear, yet be prepared for winter weather driving conditions.
Remember, the Stevens Pass Highway is closed between Skykomish and Leavenworth until further notice, thanks to storm damage, leaving I-90 Snoqualmie Pass and US 12 White Pass as the only cross-Cascade highways open.
Since the weather pattern change late last week, the mountains have picked up between over a foot to nearly 3 feet of new snow. Mt. Baker has received more than 28 inches of new snow since Friday.
Several ski areas have finally opened up, including Mt. Baker, White Pass, and Crystal Mountain. Snowfall this week is forecast to offer several inches each day. Other ski areas will likely open soon.
January to March outlook
A more typical La Niña weather pattern is reflected in the latest seasonal weather outlook released late last week by the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center. Cooler and wetter than average conditions are anticipated January to March. This trend is good news for a healthy mountain snowpack.
It also means there will be a better chance of snow in the lowlands of the North Sound, particularly during January into early February. Stay tuned!
