When Seattle area could see some snow; avalanche danger continues in mountains

The setup is right for the possibility of snow in the Seattle area this week, according to the National Weather Service.

Distinctly colder temperatures are blowing into the Puget Sound region from the Gulf of Alaska, and a series of rain systems is expected throughout the week.

Meteorologist Matthew Cullen said with low temperatures expected at or below freezing through the week, highs that won’t reach much above the 40s and a weather system that will spit out a series of rainstorms, snow in the lowlands is possible on Wednesday.

While Cullen said snow in the lowlands is not likely to last, officials are warning of dangerous avalanche conditions in multiple forecasts, according to the Northwest Avalanche Center.

“Continue to avoid big open slopes capable of producing large avalanches, sticking to lower angle and less wind-affected terrain,” the center said in its advisory for Hurricane Ridge.

Considerable avalanche danger will continue Tuesday above tree line at West Slopes North. Stevens Pass, Snoqualmie Pass, East Slopes, Mount Hood and West Slopes Central and South will see moderate avalanche danger near and above tree line.

Showers are expected Tuesday that could bring snow to the higher hills in the area, Cullen said, but it’s on Wednesday that we could see “snow all the way down to the lowest elevation.”

It probably won’t be more than a dusting, he said. “But with it colder than it’s been, it will be feeling more like winter, that’s for sure,” he said.

It’s too early to venture any solid predictions about whether we’ll have a white Christmas, he said, though the two-week forecast does favor cooler-than-normal temperatures for the period.

“In terms of rain, we don’t have a clear signal yet,” he said. “It remains way too early to tell, but it’s certainly something to keep an eye on.”