Portland Weekend Snow Chance - Dec. 30, 2016

By Rod Hill on 2017-01-01


Saturday Night, Sunday Snow Chance Update:  Saturday 9:45 a.m. 

PORTLAND LIKELY TO STAY MORE WET THAN WHITE, AS GROUND TEMPS WILL LIKELY STAY ABOVE FREEZING. 

Likely Saturday evening rain and snow showers and maybe all snow north near Longview.  Confidence is now strong that Portland and other low elevation areas of the Willamette Valley will stay above freezing until Sunday night.  A mix of rain and snow is expected for the Rose City as ground temps hold above 32 degrees.  The heaviest moisture will fall during the morning hours, light showers will be possible into Sunday night.  

Elevations near and above 300 feet and north of Vancouver, will have the best chance of seeing freezing temps with a dusting to 2" of snow on the ground.  High hills may see up to 3" but the moisture looks to be limited and temps at 1,000' may in spots hold just above 32 degrees.  Morning west winds may also act to keep some high elevation spots above 32 degrees.  Colder east winds will develop during the afternoon as moisture becomes light and scattered. 

Saturday night and Sunday travel to the coast:  2-4" of snow over the Coast Range with possible dustings at the beach!  Monday flurries will be possible. 

Saturday night and Sunday Gorge travel:  1-3" of possible snow, including Hood River.

Saturday night and Sunday Cascades:  6-10" of snow, amounts could be higher, but total moisture seems to be limited.  Snow levels will be below 500 feet. 

- Rod Hill