Season’s first snowfall blankets Cascades, but El Niño could limit winter snowpack

The season’s first mountain snowfall brought several inches of snow to the Cascades overnight.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Matthew Cullen said Stevens and White Passes each recorded about 4 inches of snow by early Wednesday morning. Mount Baker and Paradise at Mount Rainier recorded the highest totals, with 8 to 10 inches.

The weather service issued its first winter weather advisory of the season for the Cascades as snow fell overnight and continued into the day.

More snow showers are expected through the end of the week, primarily at higher elevations.

“Folks up at the higher elevations of the mountains should expect some additional rounds of snow showers,” Cullen said. “Not seeing a whole lot in the way of significant accumulations down at the passes, though.”

El Niño could limit winter snowpack

Cullen said a strong El Niño is forecast to remain in place through the winter, tilting the odds toward warmer-than-average conditions.

The outlook for precipitation is less clear, he said, but warmer temperatures generally mean less mountain snowpack.

“One thing to note is that each El Niño is a little bit different,” Cullen said. “They’re not all the same.”

Cooler, mostly dry weather for trick-or-treating

Families planning to trick-or-treat Saturday night could see a break from the rain, though they may want to bundle up.

Cullen said cooler, drier conditions are expected, with only a few light showers possible. Overnight temperatures could fall into the lower to mid-30s, particularly in outlying areas.

“The bigger thing may be the cold,” he said.

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