MD 0078 CONCERNING HEAVY SNOW FOR WASHINGTON…NORTHEAST OREGON…NORTHERN IDAHO…AND WESTERN MONTANA
Mesoscale Discussion 0078
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0149 PM CST Wed Jan 17 2024
Areas affected…Washington…northeast Oregon…northern
Idaho…and western Montana
Concerning…Heavy snow
Valid 171949Z – 172345Z
SUMMARY…Heavy snowfall rates between 1-2 inches per hour are
probable – especially at higher elevations – through the afternoon
and early evening.
DISCUSSION…Surface observations over the past hour have reported
an uptick in snowfall intensity across portions of OR and northern
ID. This comes as a swath of precipitation becomes more widespread
ahead of a compact, progressive upper disturbance moving into the
Pacific Northwest. Lift will likely be focused/maximized along a
mid-level baroclinic zone between 850-700 mb, which should overlap
to some degree with a DGZ between 700-600 mb (based on recent
forecast soundings). The combination of more focused ascent within a
portion of the DGZ should support moderate to heavy snowfall rates
up to 1 inch/hour. More localized orographic ascent will likely
enhance snowfall rates within the higher elevations, and could
support snowfall rates up to (and possibly exceeding) 2 inches/hour.
A minimum in snowfall rates is anticipated across central WA where
orographic ascent contribution will be considerably smaller.
..Moore.. 01/17/2024
…Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product…
ATTN…WFO…TFX…PIH…MSO…BOI…OTX…PDT…SEW…PQR…
LAT…LON 43741612 44651774 44931811 45281833 45861883 46051943
46172017 46232081 46132148 46802166 47772154 48162145
48712115 48912075 48981908 48941667 48921651 48961360
48821298 47921283 44061289 43751324 43471384 43451480
43481542 43741612
