Heavy Snow — East Slopes Northern Cascades, Washington

2021-01-04 to 2021-01-05 · East Slopes Northern Cascades, Washington

Event narrative

A CO-OP observer, 9 miles west of Lucerne, recorded 5.3 inches of new snow accumulation.

Wider weather episode

A moist frontal system arrived overnight into the early morning hours of January 4th. A heavy, wet snow fell in the Cascades and northeastern Washington mountains. The significant snow accumulations fell in the Methow Valley and eastern Cascades, which received 4-6 inches over approximately 12 hours. On a saturated soil, this wet snow led to a mudslide onto State Route 2 between Peshastin and Leavenworth. Due to mild temperatures, most of the region received precipitation in the form of rain, or a change from light snow to rain. The system was out of the region by the early evening hours.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 937101. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.