PNW December 2022 - Part II

[Snownerd3000]

1 hour ago, Omegaraptor said:

Need to make a trip to Leavenworth then. I found Cle Elum beautiful when I drove through. The Wenatchee Mountains make for amazing scenery and they’re right in Cle Elum’s backyard. That area does have kind of a Hood River-like feel to it as well.

Another plus for Cle Elum, it's closer to Seattle if you need to get to the city. 

[Slushy Inch]

Hmm.

[SpaceRace22]

5 minutes ago, Snownerd3000 said:

Another plus for Cle Elum, it's closer to Seattle if you need to get to the city. 

Also, I-90 tends to get cleared faster in the winter. If you live in Leavenworth, you'd have to rely on Highway 2 to get to the west side, which can be pretty dicey.

[Snownerd3000]

I think north cascades are prettier generally speaking but convenience is a real thing 

[Brian_in_Leavenworth]

4 minutes ago, SpaceRace22 said:

Also, I-90 tends to get cleared faster in the winter. If you live in Leavenworth, you'd have to rely on Highway 2 to get to the west side, which can be pretty dicey.

When you live here, you pretty much don't ever want to go back to the West side anyway.

All kidding aside, that is a point, but the fastest way to Seattle and points South is to take 97 down to I-90 anyway.  Doesnt take that long to get there. Only Everett and points North are faster by highway 2.

[Phishy Wx]

some local reports of freezing rain with temps near 10.  crazy

[Skagit Weather]

It's a full-on melt-a-thon out there right now. Temp is up to 46F and I've already lost half of our snowpack since going above freezing just after noon. I think it's unlikely I have much snow left by the time I wake up tomorrow let alone by Christmas Day, but it was fun while it lasted!

[NWbyNW]

8 hours ago, Snownerd3000 said:

That looks deep! Is it only acceptable via granite falls this time of year or can you get there from Darrington? 

Only though Granite Falls.  Darrington access is closed. If you plan to go, be sure to check for the latest info though, because various things can temporarily close the road.  They did have a plow clearing the road for the few people who live along this stretch of scenic American byway. 

This link is up to date with current road closures in Snohomish County.

https://snoco-gis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=15578784822345459c008d66ed1253ab

[NWbyNW]

Currently 39F at my place.  Snow is still there, but it is less than before.  Roads appear just wet now. 

Things are looking pretty showery with some wintery mix on the Eve of Santa's big journey. He's gonna be cold across much of the US.  Good thing he has a big beard.  

[NWbyNW]

WESTPORT

Things are looking cold and wet.  This is from the live Westport Watch Cam.  How cute, they are wishing us a Merry Christmas. Currently 47F at Westport with heavy rain and very strong winds.  Coastal flooding is expected as it also happens to be the King Tides!!

BELLINGHAM

Things are looking peaceful in Bellingham.  Still a frozen 31F at the Bham Downtown Tower Cam. 

 

SPOKANE

Currently 12F here in Spokane.  It looks like a peaceful night in the city, but drivers be warned of black ice... or just ice in general.  Wind chill has the temps feel as if they are in the single digits!

[Dave]

Looks like EUG had a 34/25 spread today. It definitely got warmer than that at my location at around 37 or so. There is still a decent amount of ice on my shaded backyard patio, but the ice around town is mainly gone for good. I'm a bit surprised at how well the central/southern valley has held onto chilly temps today. The models seem to always struggle with how difficult it is to scour out low level cold down here.

[NWbyNW]

Last batch for tonight.

EVERETT

Currently 38F degrees in Everett tonight with some light rain.  Main city streets have been plowed and smaller residential streets are being plowed  Overall, just snow left on grass and roofs depending on location.

VANCOUVER BC

A cold fog has rolled in over parts of Vancouver.  The city is sitting at 39F with wet main roads, but snow still on the ground and in residential areas.

PORTLAND

Portland is wet a chilly 30F, somehow staying colder than much of the western region.  The Multnomah Valley is remaining cold, thanks to an outflow from the Columbia Gorge.  It is raining, but depending on the location it might be a wintery mix.

[umadbro]

Current events

[TigerWoodsLibido]

40 minutes ago, Dave said:

Looks like EUG had a 34/25 spread today. It definitely got warmer than that at my location at around 37 or so. There is still a decent amount of ice on my shaded backyard patio, but the ice around town is mainly gone for good. I'm a bit surprised at how well the central/southern valley has held onto chilly temps today. The models seem to always struggle with how difficult it is to scour out low level cold down here.

Right? We were already supposed to be almost 50F here and we're still at 39F.

[Everleigh]

It was 34° when I went to bed. It is now 55°. And windy. 

[TigerWoodsLibido]

Springfield at 43F EUG still at 34F. Won't be much longer before they mix out.

[Tyler Mode]

29.8...been below freezing since Wednesday at 445 PM.

[Doinko]

Is something wrong with the rain gauge at PDX? Somehow they picked up 0.82" of precip yesterday

[Ellsworb]

Up to 38 here this morning and we are snow and ice free on the east shore of lake tapps. 

[TT-SEA]

SEA jumped to 42 last hour when the wind switched to east and then back to 40 at 6 a.m. went the wind went back to SE.  The east wind is losing its punch.  

I hear lots of water coming off the roof and based on a quick glance outside... it appears that our droopy and weighted down fir trees that were swaying as sticks yesterday have shed their ice and the branches are individually dancing around in the wind.  Very nice to see 

[Blizzard777]

38/35 this Saturday so far and sitting at 38*

Winds have been dead here

 

[T-Town]

Some pretty crazy variations in temps this morning. 

[Chewbacca Defense]

Just went from 33 at 6:05 to 45 at 6:35

The noise coming out of the woods behind my house is deafening, I shot some video and will post after I have a chance to go through them.  At least 2 neighbors have trees down in their yard, I’m sure there’s more further down the tree line 

[Everleigh]

This wind is taking me by surprise. I've got almost 30mph gusts this morning, with the temp jumping up to 57*. Wasn't expecting the wind or this fast of a warm-up. 

[Blizzard777]

2 minutes ago, Chewbacca Defense said:

Just went from 33 at 6:05 to 45 at 6:35

The noise coming out of the woods behind my house is deafening, I shot some video and will post after I have a chance to go through them.  At least 2 neighbors have trees down in their yard, I’m sure there’s more further down the tree line 

The trademark of a scary winter storm for sure!   I know this sound!!! Luckily here we were just on the edge of the bad stuff.  Otherwise I just heard the nice sound of ice be shedded off the trees and bushes. 

[Blizzard777]

3 minutes ago, Everleigh said:

This wind is taking me by surprise. I've got almost 30mph gusts this morning, with the temp jumping up to 57*. Wasn't expecting the wind or this fast of a warm-up. 

Perhaps my anemometer is frozen up there

[Everleigh]

3 minutes ago, Blizzard777 said:

Perhaps my anemometer is frozen up there

Crazy! It picked up around 3am, and has been going strong since. 

[Dave]

2 hours ago, TigerWoodsLibido said:

Springfield at 43F EUG still at 34F. Won't be much longer before they mix out.

It is up to 46 here now. Honestly feels genuinely warm. Kind of nice but not very Christmas like.

[Chewbacca Defense]

20 minutes ago, Blizzard777 said:

The trademark of a scary winter storm for sure!   I know this sound!!! Luckily here we were just on the edge of the bad stuff.  Otherwise I just heard the nice sound of ice be shedded off the trees and bushes. 

Lots of breaking branches as well.  The winds are already picking up here which definitely does not help matters.

[Dave]

We're looking decent for a Santa 60 burger. 

[SilverFallsAndrew]

8 minutes ago, Dave said:

We're looking decent for a Santa 60 burger. 

I cannot believe how warm it is! 53 here, the warmest it’s been since late October!!! I see another nearby station at 1800’ sitting at 55. Someone in the valley is going to easily hit 60 today. 

[SilverFallsAndrew]

Pretty amazing that SLE scored two sub freezing highs from this. 

[Prairiedog]

9 hours ago, Omegaraptor said:

Need to make a trip to Leavenworth then. I found Cle Elum beautiful when I drove through. The Wenatchee Mountains make for amazing scenery and they’re right in Cle Elum’s backyard. That area does have kind of a Hood River-like feel to it as well.

We got married in Leavenworth Dec 28 many years ago.  It was truly magical.  8" fell the day before so when we took everyone on sleigh rides (Redtail Canyon Farms) in two giant sleighs pulled by Belgium draft horses, it couldn't have been better. 

We stayed for 4 nights, 1,000ft above Leavenworth at Mtn Home Lodge.  As they say there, "you're a 1,000ft closer to Heaven".  They snow cat you in usually as it's a narrow snow covered dirt road with a huge canyon on one side.  You have a commanding view of town below, the Enchantment Mountains as a backdrop and you can look up Icicle Canyon.  They bring in a cook and the food is like nothing I've ever had. 

We've been to Leavenworth many times since and many on this forum have as well but if you haven't, it's a must esp this time of year.  Magical place for sure.  Touristy but it's just something you need to experience.  One of the best bed and breakfasts anywhere is Run of the River Inn.  Usually booked a year out.  Also the Sleeping Lady, on the Icicle River at the end of town is pretty cool. 

Winthrop has a nice place to stay at Sun Mountain Lodge with a commanding view of the mountains as you're perched on a hilltop.  It's a great little western town but nothing like Leavenworth.  Best Bakery around just a few miles out of Winthrop in Twisp.  If you don't mind the crowds, the eateries, shops, and Christmas themed shops in Leavenworth are second to none.  Christmas 24/7, 365 days a year. 

[SilverFallsAndrew]

Tallahassee, FL hit 19 this morning, Orlando hit 30, Jacksonville 27, Eglin AF Base bottomed out at 17. 

[The Blob]

Still 32 here, I doubt it will stay that way long

[SilverFallsAndrew]

1 minute ago, The Blob said:

Still 32 here, I doubt it will stay that way long

How are the roads in your area? My wife doesn't work far from where you are at. She was supposed to be in at 7, but called and told them she wasn't even going to attempt it until about 9. 

[The Blob]

4 minutes ago, SilverFallsAndrew said:

How are the roads in your area? My wife doesn't work far from where you are at. She was supposed to be in at 7, but called and told them she wasn't even going to attempt it until about 9. 

I know they plowed 82nd in Clackamas County yesterday afternoon. Driving wasn't bad only had one slippery spot due to the "snow" being pretty thick to drive through. I haven't really ventured out since the storm.

[SilverFallsAndrew]

IDK if anyone caught the extended GEFS last night, but there was a strong retrogression signal starting in mid-January and it looks like the block starts re-organizing in an even better spot at the end of the run. 

[Rubus Leucodermis]

Rain and 38.7˚F. The meltathon is in full swing. Unclogged a couple drain grates this morning.

[The Blob]

@SilverFallsAndrewI do see vehicles driving freeway speeds but some a little slower.