Heavy Snow — South Washington Cascades, Washington

2025-02-24 to 2025-02-25 · South Washington Cascades, Washington

Event narrative

The Swift Creek SNOTEL at 4440 ft recorded 13 inches of snow between 2200 02/24 and 1500 02/25 with 12 inches hit 1100 02/25. The Pinto Rock SNOTEL at 4450 ft recorded 13 inches of snowfall between 2100 02/24 to 1200 02/25 with 12 inches hit 1200 02/25.

Wider weather episode

A strengthening upper-level low and an associated strong low pressure system at the surface tracked just off the Pacific Northwest coast leading to a period of high winds. Heavy snow also fell across the south Washington Cascades during this period in addition to localized flooding on the Grays River near the coast. The frontal passage during the early afternoon hours of Feb 24th allowed for a period of isolated severe thunderstorms later that afternoon due to a low CAPE but high shear environment.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1236381. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.