SPOKANE, WA – A vigorous storm system is set to impact the region on Monday, bringing significant snowfall to the mountains of north Idaho and the Cascades, according to the National Weather Service. Winter Storm Watches for the north Cascades have now been upgraded to Winter Storm Warnings as forecasters predict up to a foot of new snow at Stevens Pass.
This incoming system, the most impactful winter storm of the season so far, will also produce damaging wind gusts across Central Washington, with exposed ridgetops experiencing gusts between 40 to 60 mph. The combination of heavy snow and high winds raises safety concerns for backcountry enthusiasts.
After the storm passes, a drier and more stable weather pattern is expected to settle in from Wednesday through Friday. The NWS will coordinate updates regarding wind and winter storm conditions for central and eastern Washington, as well as for the Idaho Panhandle.