Alert archive / Washington / Winter Storm Warnings in 2021

Winter Storm Warning 2, NWS Spokane, WA

January 3, 2021Ferry County, Okanogan County, Washington

NWS Spokane, WA issued this winter storm warning at Jan 3, 2021, 3:11 PM PST for Ferry County, Okanogan County, Washington. It took effect at Jan 4, 2021, 12:00 AM PST. It was in force for 19 hr. 5 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Jan 3, 2021, 3:11 PM PST (23:11 UTC)
In effect from
Jan 4, 2021, 12:00 AM PST
Expired
Jan 4, 2021, 7:00 PM PST
In force
19 hr
Issued by
NWS Spokane, WA

Counties Ferry County, WA, Okanogan County, WA

The radar

The Spokane radar (KOTX), 145 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 23:10 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Jan 4, 2:51 AM PSTHEAVY SNOW 5.1Republic, WA
Jan 4, 9:42 AM PSTSNOW 51 W Twisp, WA
Jan 4, 10:20 AM PSTHEAVY SNOW 4.57 Wnw Malott, WASINCE 10PM LAST NIGHT. STILL SNOWING HEAVY.
Jan 4, 11:45 AM PSTHEAVY SNOW 5.52 Se Twisp, WASTILL SNOWING.
Jan 4, 4:00 PM PSTSNOW 6.2Winthrop, WACO-OP OBSERVER STATION WNPW1 WINTHROP.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Spokane, WA (KOTX), launched 12:00Z, 11.2 hours before the alert went out and 222 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Spokane, WA at 12:00Z on 2021-01-03Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Spokane, WA at 12:00Z on 2021-01-03The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 508 square meters per square second.1939587897117Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
727 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
67 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
508 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
487 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

612 
WWUS46 KOTX 032311
WSWOTX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Spokane WA
311 PM PST Sun Jan 3 2021

...MORE HEAVY SNOW FOR THE MOUNTAINS...THE METHOW VALLEY...AND
THE OKANOGAN HIGHLANDS MONDAY...

WAZ038-041330-
/O.UPG.KOTX.WS.A.0002.210104T0800Z-210105T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KOTX.WS.W.0002.210104T1000Z-210105T0300Z/
Okanogan Highlands-
Including the following locations Republic, Wauconda, 
Chesaw Road, Highway 20 Wauconda Summit, Boulder Creek Road, 
and Sherman Pass
311 PM PST Sun Jan 3 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO 7 PM PST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6
  inches valleys above 2500 feet. Mountain accumulations of 6 to
  10 inches.

* WHERE...Republic, Wauconda, Chesaw Road, Highway 20 Wauconda 
  Summit, Boulder Creek Road, and Sherman Pass.

* WHEN...From 2 AM to 7 PM PST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Motorists should plan for winter driving conditions
  Monday into Monday evening.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow will likely change to rain over
  southern portions of Ferry county early in the morning and the
  change to rain will spread into the valleys of central and
  northern portions of the Okanogan Highland during the day.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

WAZ042-041330-
/O.UPG.KOTX.WS.A.0002.210104T0600Z-210105T0300Z/
/O.NEW.KOTX.WS.W.0002.210104T0800Z-210105T0300Z/
East Slopes Northern Cascades-
Including the following locations Mazama, Twisp, Winthrop, 
Stehekin, Conconully, Blewett Pass, Loup Loup Pass, Stevens Pass,
Plain, and Holden Village
311 PM PST Sun Jan 3 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM MIDNIGHT TONIGHT TO 7 PM
PST MONDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 9
  inches in the valleys. Accumulations of 10 to 18 inches for the
  mountains.

* WHERE...Mazama, Twisp, Winthrop, Stehekin, Conconully, Blewett 
  Pass, Loup Loup Pass, Stevens Pass, Plain, and Holden Village.

* WHEN...From midnight tonight to 7 PM PST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Motorists should plan for winter driving conditions
  Monday into Monday evening. Over a foot of new snow will be
  likely for Stevens Pass.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

WAZ041-043-044-041330-
/O.NEW.KOTX.WW.Y.0002.210104T1000Z-210104T2000Z/
Wenatchee Area-Okanogan Valley-Waterville Plateau-
Including the following locations Number 1 Canyon, 
Number 2 Canyon, Nespelem, Disautel Pass, Waterville, Mansfield, 
and Badger Mountain Road
311 PM PST Sun Jan 3 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 2 AM TO NOON PST
MONDAY...

* WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of up to 3 
  inches.

* WHERE...Number 1 Canyon, Number 2 Canyon, Nespelem, Disautel 
  Pass, Waterville, Mansfield, and Badger Mountain Road.

* WHEN...From 2 AM to noon PST Monday.

* ELEVATION...Accumulations less than an inch are likely for
  elevations below 2000 feet around Wenatchee, Chelan, and
  Brewster. Slushy accumulations of an inch or two will be
  possible around Omak and Oroville below 2000 feet.

* IMPACTS...Motorists should plan for winter driving conditions
  Monday morning.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

IDZ001-WAZ037-041330-
/O.NEW.KOTX.WW.Y.0002.210104T1200Z-210104T2000Z/
Northern Panhandle-Northeast Mountains-
Including the following locations Priest River, Eastport, 
Schweitzer Mountain Road, Newport, Springdale-Hunters Road, 
Orin-Rice Road, and Flowery Trail Road
311 PM PST Sun Jan 3 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 4 AM TO NOON PST MONDAY
ABOVE 2000 FEET...

* WHAT...Snow expected above 2000 feet. Total snow accumulations
  of up to 3 inches valleys. Accumulations of 6 to 12 inches
  mountains.

* WHERE...Priest River, Eastport, Schweitzer Mountain Road, 
  Newport, Springdale-Hunters Road, Orin-Rice Road, and Flowery 
  Trail Road.

* WHEN...From 4 AM to noon PST Monday.

* IMPACTS...Motorists should plan for winter driving conditions
  Monday morning.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$
4 follow-up statements
964 
WWUS46 KOTX 041313
WSWOTX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Spokane WA
513 AM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

...MORE HEAVY SNOW FOR THE MOUNTAINS...THE METHOW VALLEY...AND
THE OKANOGAN HIGHLANDS TODAY...

WAZ042-042115-
/O.CON.KOTX.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-210105T0300Z/
East Slopes Northern Cascades-
Including the following locations Leavenworth, Mazama, Twisp, 
Winthrop, Stehekin, Conconully, Blewett Pass, Loup Loup Pass, 
Stevens Pass, Plain, and Holden Village
513 AM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations of 4 to 7
  inches in the valleys. Accumulations of 7 to 13 inches in the 
  mountains.

* WHERE...Leavenworth, Mazama, Twisp, Winthrop, Stehekin, 
  Conconully, Blewett Pass, Loup Loup Pass, Stevens Pass, Plain, 
  and Holden Village.

* WHEN...Until 7 PM PST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Motorists should expect winter driving conditions 
  Today. Over a foot of new snow will be likely for Stevens Pass 
  into this evening.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

WAZ038-042115-
/O.CON.KOTX.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-210105T0300Z/
Okanogan Highlands-
Including the following locations Republic, Wauconda, 
Chesaw Road, Highway 20 Wauconda Summit, Boulder Creek Road, 
and Sherman Pass
513 AM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6
  inches valleys above 2500 feet. Mountain accumulations of 6 to
  10 inches.

* WHERE...Republic, Wauconda, Chesaw Road, Highway 20 Wauconda 
  Summit, Boulder Creek Road, and Sherman Pass.

* WHEN...Until 7 PM PST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Motorists should expect winter driving conditions 
  Today.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow will likely change to rain over
  southern portions of Ferry County from late morning through the
  afternoon.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

WAZ041-043-044-042000-
/O.CON.KOTX.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-210104T2000Z/
Wenatchee Area-Okanogan Valley-Waterville Plateau-
Including the following locations Number 1 Canyon, 
Number 2 Canyon, Nespelem, Disautel Pass, Waterville, Mansfield, 
and Badger Mountain Road
513 AM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PST
TODAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches.

* WHERE...Number 1 Canyon, Number 2 Canyon, Nespelem, Disautel 
  Pass, Waterville, Mansfield, and Badger Mountain Road.

* WHEN...Until noon PST today.

* ELEVATION...Accumulations less than an inch are likely for 
  elevations below 2000 feet around Wenatchee, Chelan, and 
  Brewster. Slushy accumulations of an inch or two will be 
  possible around Omak and Oroville below 2000 feet.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

IDZ001-WAZ037-042000-
/O.CON.KOTX.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-210104T2000Z/
Northern Panhandle-Northeast Mountains-
Including the following locations Priest River, Eastport, 
Schweitzer Mountain Road, Newport, Springdale-Hunters Road, 
Orin-Rice Road, and Flowery Trail Road
513 AM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PST TODAY
ABOVE 2000 FEET...

* WHAT...Snow above 2000 feet. Total snow accumulations of up to 3
  inches valleys. Accumulations of 6 to 12 inches in the
  mountains.

* WHERE...Priest River, Eastport, Schweitzer Mountain Road, 
  Newport, Springdale-Hunters Road, Orin-Rice Road, and Flowery 
  Trail Road.

* WHEN...Until noon PST today.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Winter driving
  conditions expected for travel above 3000 feet.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$
402 
WWUS46 KOTX 042005
WSWOTX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Spokane WA
1205 PM PST Mon Jan 4 2021


WAZ041-043-044-042115-
/O.EXP.KOTX.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-210104T2000Z/
Wenatchee Area-Okanogan Valley-Waterville Plateau-
Including the following locations Number 1 Canyon, 
Number 2 Canyon, Nespelem, Disautel Pass, Waterville, Mansfield, 
and Badger Mountain Road
1205 PM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT NOON PST TODAY...

Additional lowland accumulations will be an inch or less around
Omak, Brewster, Chelan, and Wenatchee this afternoon as
temperatures climb into the mid 30s.

$$

IDZ001-WAZ037-042115-
/O.EXP.KOTX.WW.Y.0002.000000T0000Z-210104T2000Z/
Northern Panhandle-Northeast Mountains-
Including the following locations Priest River, Eastport, 
Schweitzer Mountain Road, Newport, Springdale-Hunters Road, 
Orin-Rice Road, and Flowery Trail Road
1205 PM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY WILL EXPIRE AT NOON PST TODAY ABOVE
2000 FEET...

Precipitation this afternoon into early this evening will fall in
the form of rain or a rain-snow mix below 3000 feet around
Colville, Northport, Metaline Falls, Bonners Ferry and Sandpoint
with little additional accumulation. For nearby mountains with
elevations above 3500 feet, an additional 5 to 10 inches of
accumulation is likely this afternoon into early this evening.

$$

WAZ042-050015-
/O.CON.KOTX.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-210105T0300Z/
East Slopes Northern Cascades-
Including the following locations Leavenworth, Mazama, Twisp, 
Winthrop, Stehekin, Conconully, Blewett Pass, Loup Loup Pass, 
Stevens Pass, Plain, and Holden Village
1205 PM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow. From noon to 7 PM, additional snow 
  accumulations of 2 to 4 inches in the valleys. Accumulations of 
  5 to 10 inches in the mountains.

* WHERE...Mazama, Twisp, Winthrop, Stehekin, Conconully, Blewett
  Pass, Loup Loup Pass, Stevens Pass, and Holden Village.

* WHEN...Until 7 PM PST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Motorists should expect winter driving conditions 
  Today. Over a foot of new snow will be likely for Stevens Pass 
  into this evening.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

WAZ038-050015-
/O.CON.KOTX.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-210105T0300Z/
Okanogan Highlands-
Including the following locations Republic, Wauconda, 
Chesaw Road, Highway 20 Wauconda Summit, Boulder Creek Road, 
and Sherman Pass
1205 PM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 6 inches 
  valleys above 2500 feet. Mountain accumulations of 6 to 10 
  inches.

* WHERE...Republic, Wauconda, Chesaw Road, Highway 20 Wauconda 
  Summit, Boulder Creek Road, and Sherman Pass.

* WHEN...Until 7 PM PST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Motorists should expect winter driving conditions
  Today.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$
543 
WWUS46 KOTX 042353
WSWOTX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Spokane WA
353 PM PST Mon Jan 4 2021


WAZ042-050300-
/O.CON.KOTX.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-210105T0300Z/
East Slopes Northern Cascades-
Including the following locations Stevens Pass and Holden Village
353 PM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Snow. An additional 1 to 4 inches for the mountains along
  the Cascade Crest.

* WHERE...Stevens Pass.

* WHEN...Until 7 PM PST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Motorists should expect winter driving conditions into
  the evening.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$

WAZ038-050300-
/O.CON.KOTX.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-210105T0300Z/
Okanogan Highlands-
Including the following locations Republic, Wauconda, 
Chesaw Road, Highway 20 Wauconda Summit, Boulder Creek Road, 
and Sherman Pass
353 PM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM PST THIS
EVENING...

* WHAT...Snow. An additional 1 to 2 inches in the mountains.

* WHERE...Highway 20 Wauconda Summit and Sherman Pass.

* WHEN...Until 7 PM PST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Motorists should expect winter driving conditions 
  Today.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in
your vehicle in case of an emergency. 

The latest road conditions for the state you are calling from can
be obtained by calling 5 1 1.

&&

$$
792 
WWUS46 KOTX 050300
WSWOTX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Spokane WA
700 PM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

.Snow will continue tapering off tonight across the northern
mountains.

WAZ042-050400-
/O.EXP.KOTX.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-210105T0300Z/
East Slopes Northern Cascades-
Including the following locations Stevens Pass and Holden Village
700 PM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 7 PM PST THIS EVENING...

Snow is winding down across the eastern slopes of the Cascades
including Stevens Pass and will continue this trend overnight. 
Snowfall amounts in the next few hours will be light in 
accumulation. Winter driving conditions may still exist on 
mountain passes and especially in areas of snow covered roads.

$$

WAZ038-050400-
/O.EXP.KOTX.WS.W.0002.000000T0000Z-210105T0300Z/
Okanogan Highlands-
Including the following locations Republic, Wauconda, 
Chesaw Road, Highway 20 Wauconda Summit, Boulder Creek Road, 
and Sherman Pass
700 PM PST Mon Jan 4 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING WILL EXPIRE AT 7 PM PST THIS EVENING...

Snow is winding down across the northern mountains including
Highway 20 over Wauconda Summit and Sherman Pass, and will 
continue this trend overnight. Snowfall amounts in the next few 
hours will be light in accumulation. Winter driving conditions may
still exist on mountain passes and especially in areas of snow 
covered roads.

$$

The office that day

Everything else NWS Spokane, WA issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jan 3, 5:45 AM PSTWinter Storm WatchOTXFerry, Okanogan9 hr
Jan 3, 3:11 PM PSTWinter Weather AdvisoryOTXChelan, Douglas, Grant, Okanogan, Pend Oreille, Spokane and 1 more21 hr
Jan 3, 3:56 PM PSTFlash Flood WatchOTXWhitman31 hr

Nearby

Winter Storm Warnings in Washington, 2021Every winter storm warning in 2021

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.