The jet stream is now directed south of Washington State, with the heaviest precipitation going south of us into northern California and southern Oregon (see upper level map at 10 AM today). Winds are parallel to the height lines, with speed proportion to the gradient (or rate of change with distance) of the height lines.
The 72hr total precipitation for the period ending 4 AM Saturday is impressive, with some areas of northern CA getting 5-10 inches (see below). Reservoirs in northern CA will begin refilling now, with some like Shasta starting well above normal (Shasta is at 117%).
The jet will remain south of us for a few days.
But by Saturday, with a deep trough developing offshore, the jet stream and associated flow with be heading right into our region.
As a result, precipitation will substantially increase. The 72hr total ending 4 AM Wednesday is particularly impressive, with 5-10 inches of precipitable water over the higher terrain of the Olympics and Cascades.
With sufficiently cool air over us, this means lots of snow, with 2-3 feet being widespread above roughly 4000 ft. Translation: with the base with have currently, many of the Cascade ski areas will have sufficient snow to open by the middle of next week.
from Cliff Mass Weather and Climate Blog http://ift.tt/2i3LRSd
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