Sunday, November 20, 2011

A Winter Paradise

In Washington state, not too far from the summit of Mt Rainier, at an elevation of nearly 5,500 feet is an area called Paradise. At the Ranger Station in Paradise, some of the heaviest snow amounts are recorded here on an annual basis, over 600" worth.

The snow season (for everybody) begins July 1 and ends June 30 each year. So far, since July, the Ranger Station has recorded 'just' 76.1". Of that total, 72" has occurred this month.

However, last year, snow amounts were more robust. In October 2010, 60.2" was recorded and 175" in November. In fact, last season's annual snow amounts from July 1 2010 to June 30 2011 amounted to a whopping 921"! A winter lover's paradise indeed.

Ironically, Paradise was not named for its winter pleasure but its beautiful views of Mt Rainier and the meadows of wildflowers.

Here's a quote from the National Park Service..."Paradise is famous for its glorious views and wildflower meadows. When James Longmire's daughter-in-law, Martha, first saw this site, she exclaimed, "Oh, what a paradise!"

A wildflower meadow at Paradise busy purple and red blooms and mountains  sits before a jagged mountain peak.

A storm system along the west coast is expected to stall and produce copious amounts of precipitation, especially in Washington. Snow, very heavy at times, is expected above the 5,000 foot level, including the Ranger Station at Paradise.

Here's a breakdown of the current forecast this week...

Tonight: Snow, mainly after 4am. Low around 19. West wind between 5 and 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Monday: Snow showers. High near 27. West wind between 5 and 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 4 to 8 inches possible.

Monday Night: Snow. Low around 25. West southwest wind around 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 10 to 14 inches possible.

Tuesday: Rain. Snow level 5300 feet. High near 33. Southwest wind between 8 and 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%.

Tuesday Night: Snow. Low around 28. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches possible.

In addition, snow is expected every day through Saturday. This should help out the snow 'deficit' that's been ongoing for the past couple of months.

MS

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