A wet and snowy system is set to sweep through the region tonight, bringing significant snow to Washington Pass and Sherman Pass, and widespread rain to lower elevations. Starting tonight and lasting through early Thursday, rain and high mountain snow are expected to intensify as the system moves eastward.
The winter storm warning has been issued for the north Cascades and the Okanogan Highlands, particularly for elevations above 4,000 feet. Washington Pass and Sherman Pass will experience heavy snowfall, with rates of up to an inch per hour possible through Wednesday morning. Snow levels are expected to stay around 4,000 feet, but will gradually drop by Thursday night.
While Stevens Pass will see lighter snow tonight and Thursday morning, snow accumulations at higher elevations will slow as the system moves south later in the week. Slightly drier weather is forecast to return by Friday, but cooler temperatures and possibly more snow will follow into the weekend.