Atmospheric river soaks the Pacific Northwest

The Natural Resources Conservation Service produces this weekly report using data and products from the National Water and Climate Center and other agencies. The report focuses on seasonal snowpack, precipitation, temperature, and drought conditions in the U.S.

An atmospheric river brought a dramatic end to the unusually dry winter weather in the Pacific Northwest.  The warm tropical system brought heavy rain up to 7,000 feet elevation in the Cascade Range. High winds and rain melted snow and temporarily closed ski areas, while heavy snow at higher elevations triggered extreme avalanche warnings. The Cascades, Olympics, and Coast Mountains received over 10 inches of precipitation, and many new rainfall records were reported.  The record rainfall caused river and lowland flooding with numerous landslides closing roads, particularly in northwest Washington.  Open report>>