Red Mountain Resort

Issued:

Wednesday March 10, 2010 10:00 PST

Synopsis

SYNOPSIS: A weak upper disturbance that pushes through a developing upper ridge may produce cloudy periods this afternoon while temperatures reach similar values to yesterday. Southwesterly winds intensify tonight while moisture associated with the leading edge of an approaching large Pacific frontal system produces an increasing chance of flurries by Thursday morning. Flurries or snow continue on Thursday, likely continuing into the night as the first of two large frontal systems pass over the area. Moderate to strong southwesterly winds should prevail at ridge top elevation through Thursday night. Temperatures begin to trend milder Thursday and Thursday night, allowing for a risk of snow to be mixed with or turn to rain at times overnight.

Freezing Level

Rising to between 1200 & 1400m this afternoon and again Thursday afternoon. Dropping to or near valley bottoms tonight; remaining near 1100 or 1200m Thursday night.

Forecast:

TODAY: Sunny with cloudy periods.

TONIGHT: Cloudy with clear breaks and a 60% chance of flurries developing late overnight. Increasing winds.

THURSDAY: Cloudy with flurries or snow, accumulations from 3-6cm. Snow levels near 1000m. Moderate or strong southwesterly winds continue at ridge top elevations. High near +1 at the base, near -3 at Granite.

THURSDAY NIGHT: Cloudy with flurries or snow continuing for an additional 2-5 cm. Moderate southwesterly winds should continue. Snow levels may rise to roughly 1200m. Temperatures remain fairly steady or else trend slightly milder overnight.

OUTLOOK (GRANITE):
FRIDAY: Cloudy with flurries or snow. Moderate winds continuing. Snow levels between 1200 and 1500m. High near -1.

SATURDAY: Cloudy with possible sunny breaks and a 30% chance of flurries. High near -2.

SUNDAY: Sunny with cloudy periods. High near +1.

CONFIDENCE: Fair to good today, becoming fair Thursday and beyond. Flurries may redevelop this afternoon if airmass instability is able to produce isolated convective cells from limited surface moisture. Tightening gradients on the surface and aloft support increasing winds tonight through Friday night. A second large frontal system should push through on Friday bringing more snow to upper elevations. Cool and unsettled conditions should follow on Saturday. High pressure building from the southwest on Sunday should bring increasing sun and milder temperatures.

Jesse Ellis