Heavy Snow — Western Whatcom County, Washington

2024-01-17 to 2024-01-18 · Western Whatcom County, Washington

Event narrative

Snowfall of 4.2 inches reported at Glacier. Observer near Ferndale reported snowfall total of 4.7 inches. Observer near Blaine reported snowfall total of 4.5 inches. Member of the public reported 4 inches of snowfall at Ferndale. Observer reported 7 inches of snowfall at Newhalem. Member of the public reported 9 inches of snowfall at Blaine. Member of public reported 8 and a half inches of snowfall 5 miles east of Birch Bay.

Wider weather episode

A Pacific frontal system moving in Western Washington encountered a cold air mass already in place. This created an overrunning event that led to wintry precipitation across interior portions of the area from Whatcom County southward into King County.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1160346. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.