A parade of storms will bring more rain and snow to the Northwest over the nextseveral days. The flux of Pacific air will cause snow levels in the mountainsto rise gradually to over 6,000 feet. At lower elevations, it will just rainand several inches will be possible on the upslope side of the mountain ranges.This combined with snowmelt might be enough to cause some river flooding overthe weekend.
There will also be an increased danger of avalanches which is a commonoccurrence in the Northwest whenever there is a significant thaw. Avalancheshappen when a large mass of loose snow slides off hard packed snow beneath it.
Rain worsens the situation by making the surface layer of snow heavier, as wellas acting as a lubricant between layers.
Have you ever seen the movie "Grumpy Old Men?" Well, when they were sprayingwater on the snowcovered roof, they were in effect causing mini avalanches.
Story by AccuWeather.com Senior Meteorologist JohnKocet.
