Winter Storm in Tacoma Area, Washington

A major winter storm affected the Tacoma area beginning during the evening hours of February 12 and continuing through the morning hours of February 13. Local CoCoRaHs observations indicated new snowfall amounts of between 6-8 inches. Snow continued through the morning hours before gradually tapering. Little additional snowfall was reported.

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.