Winter Storm — Cascades of Pierce and Lewis Counties, Washington

2019-10-17 to 2019-10-20 · Cascades of Pierce and Lewis Counties, Washington

Event narrative

Snow began during the evening hours on the 17th, steadily accumulating to 32 inches by by noon on the 19th. Snowfall then appeared to taper off into the 20th. Paradise received about 24 total inches of new snow from this event beginning during the evening hours of of the 17th through the end of the day on the 19th. Snowfall at White Pass began to pick up late in the evening on the 17th and continue thru the afternoon of the 19th. Total snow accumulation of around 18 inches. Crystal Mountain received about 8 inches of new snow.

Wider weather episode

An active weather pattern took shape across the Pacific Northwest, with several shortwave troughs bringing in several rounds of precipitation (the strongest shortwave passed through on the 19th). The precipitation fell in the mountains as snow, with enough accumulation to warrant winter weather headlines. Headlines were issued well in advance of this storm (Oct 17).

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 862069. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.