Winter Storm — Hood Canal Area, Washington

2021-02-12 to 2021-02-13 · Hood Canal Area, Washington

Event narrative

A significant winter storm impacted the Hood Canal area beginning during the evening hours of February 12 and continuing through the morning hours of February 13. Local CoCoRaHs observations around sunrise on February 13 suggested new snowfall totals ranging from 4-12 inches along the Canal vicinity. Snow would continue into the afternoon while gradually tapering. Little additional snow accumulation was reported.

Wider weather episode

A significant snowstorm impacted the lowlands of Washington beginning during the evening hours of February 12 and continuing through the morning of February 13. Strong Fraser outflow was responsible for the advection of much colder air west of the Cascade Crest. As this cold air entrenched the Western Washington lowlands, a strong storm system was approaching from off the Pacific, bringing with it sufficient moisture towards the area. The low made landfall near the mouth of the Columbia River during the early morning hours of the 13th, which was the prime location to allow for significant snowfall over Western Washington. Heavy snowfall accumulated quickly overnight and continued through the morning of the 13th before tapering during the afternoon and evening.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 945683. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.