Western Washington Faces Week‑Long Storms, Snow, and 45 mph Winds Starting Sunday
Updated (2 articles)
Storm System Origin and Timeline: low‑pressure system off the British Columbia coast is delivering rain and mountain snow across western Washington, and a series of storm systems will batter the region from this weekend into next week [1][2]. Forecasts show intermittent rain, mountain snow, and warming highs from Sunday through Saturday, with temperatures climbing to the low‑50s °F [2]. The pattern of unsettled conditions is expected to persist into the middle of the week, prompting continued advisories [1].
Wind Advisory Impacts on San Juan Islands: Wind Advisory remains in effect for the San Juan Islands through 2 p.m. on Sunday, with southeasterly winds of 15‑25 mph and gusts up to 45 mph [1][2]. The advisory, issued by the National Weather Service, warns of hazardous marine conditions and potential travel disruptions. Residents are urged to monitor updates as gusts may taper later in the afternoon [2].
Winter Weather Advisory for Cascades and Passes: Winter Weather Advisory covers the Cascade passes, including Snoqualmie Pass, from Sunday night to Monday afternoon [1][2]. Snow levels are expected to hover around 3,000‑3,500 ft, producing 5‑12 inches of snow and making travel difficult to impossible on mountain routes [1][2]. The advisory highlights the risk of impassable conditions and advises motorists to seek alternate routes or delay travel [1].
Snow Level Evolution and Accumulation Forecast: Snow levels are projected to drop to 2,500 ft by Wednesday and to 3,000 ft on Thursday, with several feet of snow possible in the mountains [1]. Models show further descent to 1,000‑1,500 ft by the weekend, increasing the likelihood of heavy snowfall at ski areas, where 1‑2+ feet of new snow is expected [2]. Forecasters are increasing confidence in continued heavy mountain snowfall through next week [1].
Rainfall Distribution and Later‑Week Disturbances: Total rainfall of 1‑3 inches is expected at lower elevations through the storm period, while later‑week disturbances will bring additional lowland showers and mountain snow [1][2]. Rainfall will thin out on Tuesday, shifting mainly to southern parts of the region, before a possible resurgence from the south later in the week [2]. The combined effect will sustain wet conditions across western Washington into the following weekend [1].
Sources
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1.
King5: Western Washington Braces for Week‑Long Storms with Snow, Rain, and Strong Winds: details the week‑long series of storms, wind advisory for the San Juans, winter weather advisory for Cascades, and forecasts snow‑level drops and heavy mountain snowfall .
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2.
King5: Western Washington Braces for Storm, Wind and Snow Advisories: emphasizes the BC‑origin low pressure system, wind advisory specifics, winter weather advisory timing, seven‑day rain‑snow outlook, and later‑week impacts on ski resorts and lowland rain .
Timeline
Dec 11, 2023 – A powerful low‑pressure system off the British Columbia coast delivers rain and mountain snow across western Washington, with gusty winds tapering by afternoon, marking the start of a multi‑day winter event [2].
Dec 11, 2023 – The National Weather Service issues a Wind Advisory for the San Juan Islands through mid‑afternoon, forecasting southeasterly winds of 15‑25 mph and gusts up to 45 mph [2].
Dec 11, 2023 – A Winter Weather Advisory covers the Cascades, including Snoqualmie Pass, from 8 p.m. Sunday to 1 p.m. Monday, with snow levels near 3,000‑3,500 ft and 5‑12 inches of snow expected to make pass travel difficult to impossible [2].
Dec 11, 2023 – The seven‑day outlook predicts intermittent rain, mountain snow and highs ranging from the upper 40s to low 50s °F, while snow levels are expected to drop to 1,000‑1,500 ft by the weekend [2].
Dec 11, 2023 – Forecast models show Tuesday’s precipitation becoming scattered and shifting mainly south, with a later increase from the south anticipated [2].
Dec 11, 2023 – Later‑week disturbances are projected to boost ski‑area snowfall to 1‑2 + feet and bring 0.5‑1.5 inches of rain to low‑land areas, enhancing the region’s winter water input [2].
Feb 22, 2026 – A series of storm systems begins battering western Washington from the weekend into the following week, delivering repeated rounds of rain, mountain snow and gusty winds with daily impacts varying across the region [1].
Feb 22, 2026 – The Wind Advisory remains active for the San Juan Islands through 2 p.m., with gusts up to 45 mph and sustained southeasterly winds of 15‑25 mph [1].
Feb 22 – Feb 23, 2026 – A Winter Weather Advisory spans the Cascades from Sunday night to Monday afternoon, placing snow levels near 3,000‑3,500 ft, forecasting 6‑12 inches of snow and rendering passes such as Snoqualmie potentially impassable [1].
Feb 22‑23, 2026 – An offshore storm lingers, bringing additional rain, mountain snow and mild temperatures with highs climbing to the low 50s °F; snow levels start near 4,000 ft and are expected to drop later in the week [1].
Feb 24, 2026 – Snow levels are projected to fall to 2,500 ft by Wednesday, with several feet of snow possible in the mountains; models show snow levels near 2,500 ft Wednesday, 3,000 ft Thursday, and total rainfall of 1‑3 inches at lower elevations through the period [1].
Feb 27, 2026 – Forecasters increase confidence that heavy mountain snowfall will continue through the next week, urging residents to monitor updates as the pattern of unsettled conditions persists into the middle of the week [1].