Wet Winter Expected Across the PNW

We’ve already seen measurable snow in the higher elevations of the Northwest, and forecasters believe this is just the beginning.  The Pacific Northwest is in the midst of a meteorological transition, moving from dry to wet.  The area has been under an El Nino weather pattern for more than a year, but Charlotte Dewey, with the National Weather Service, says that’s changing.

“Right now, we’re at a La Nina ‘watch status,’ so we’re moving into La Nina conditions and we’re expected to develop those conditions through the November period. There’s over a 60% chance of developing that and maintaining that through the winter months.”

For the Northwest, La Nina typically means more precipitation and an improvement in the drought conditions.  And La Nina also means good news when it comes to irrigation next summer.

“The difference from the average snowfall, during the Jan-March time period, is upwards of 5-10” above average for the Pacific Northwest; especially for our mountainous areas," Dewey said.

On the downside, La Nina could also mean an increased chance of flooding, later in the water year.  Dewey says they’re still monitoring sea-surface temperatures, which are the true measure of the La Nina impact.

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