Alert archive / Washington / Winter Storm Watches in 2021

Winter Storm Watch 2, NWS Spokane, WA

January 3, 2021Ferry County, Okanogan County, Washington

NWS Spokane, WA issued this winter storm watch at Jan 3, 2021, 5:45 AM PST for Ferry County, Okanogan County, Washington. It took effect at Jan 3, 2021, 10:00 PM PST. It was in force for .

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
Jan 3, 2021, 5:45 AM PST (13:45 UTC)
In effect from
Jan 3, 2021, 10:00 PM PST
Expired
Jan 3, 2021, 3:11 PM PST
In force
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 13:48 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.

The nearest sounding before it

Spokane, WA (KOTX), launched 12:00Z, 1.8 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.

594 
WWUS46 KOTX 031345
WSWOTX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Spokane WA
545 AM PST Sun Jan 3 2021

...MORE SNOW ON MONDAY AFTER PANHANDLE SNOW WINDS DOWN TODAY...

Lookout Pass will continue to see heavy snow through mid morning
with snow dissipating through the late morning hours. There will
be a break between weather systems this afternoon into this
evening. Another weather system moves in tonight with temperatures
expected to be colder at onset of precipitation. Valleys in 
north-central Washington are expected to see snow with heavy 
accumulations possible for the east slopes of the northern 
Cascades and Okanogan Highlands.

WAZ042-032145-
/O.CAN.KOTX.WW.Y.0001.000000T0000Z-210103T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KOTX.WS.A.0002.210104T0600Z-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
545 AM PST Sun Jan 3 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM THIS EVENING THROUGH MONDAY
EVENING...
...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 10
  inches possible in the valleys and 10 to 20 inches possible for
  the mountains.

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

* WHEN...From this evening through Monday evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow is expected to switch over to rain in
  the Wenatchee River Valley up to Leavenworth by Monday 
  afternoon.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$

IDZ004-032000-
/O.CON.KOTX.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-210103T2000Z/
Central Panhandle Mountains-
Including the following locations Lookout Pass
545 AM PST Sun Jan 3 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL NOON PST TODAY
ABOVE 4000 FEET...

* WHAT...Heavy snow above 4000 feet. Additional snow 
  accumulations of 2 to 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 40 
  mph.

* WHERE...Lookout Pass.

* WHEN...Until noon PST today.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Patchy blowing snow
  could significantly reduce visibility. Gusty winds could bring
  down tree branches.

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.

&&

$$

WAZ038-032145-
/O.NEW.KOTX.WS.A.0002.210104T0800Z-210105T0300Z/
Okanogan Highlands-
Including the following locations Republic, Wauconda, 
Chesaw Road, Highway 20 Wauconda Summit, Boulder Creek Road, 
and Sherman Pass
545 AM PST Sun Jan 3 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH MONDAY
EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 
  10 inches possible.

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

* WHEN...From late tonight through Monday evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Snow is expected to switch over to rain
  north along Highway 21 from Keller to Republic through the day 
  on Monday.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$
2 follow-up statements
705 
WWUS46 KOTX 031933
WSWOTX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Spokane WA
1133 AM PST Sun Jan 3 2021

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

IDZ004-032045-
/O.CAN.KOTX.WS.W.0001.000000T0000Z-210103T2000Z/
Central Panhandle Mountains-
1133 AM PST Sun Jan 3 2021

...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

Any additional snow accumulations for the mountains of the 
central Idaho Panhandle will be minimal this afternoon. More snow
will arrive on Monday and continue into Monday night.

$$

WAZ042-040000-
/O.CON.KOTX.WS.A.0002.210104T0600Z-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
1133 AM PST Sun Jan 3 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 10 PM PST THIS
EVENING THROUGH MONDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 6 to 
  10 inches possible in the valleys and 10 to 20 inches possible 
  for the mountains.

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

* WHEN...From this evening through Monday evening.

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


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$

WAZ038-040000-
/O.CON.KOTX.WS.A.0002.210104T0800Z-210105T0300Z/
Okanogan Highlands-
Including the following locations Republic, Wauconda, 
Chesaw Road, Highway 20 Wauconda Summit, Boulder Creek Road, 
and Sherman Pass
1133 AM PST Sun Jan 3 2021

...WINTER STORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM LATE TONIGHT THROUGH
MONDAY EVENING...

* WHAT...Heavy snow possible. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 
  10 inches possible.

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

* WHEN...From late tonight through Monday evening.

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


PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation. 

&&

$$
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.

&&

$$

The office that day

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

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jan 3, 3:11 PM PSTWinter Storm WarningOTXFerry, Okanogan28 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 Watches in Washington, 2021Every winter storm watch 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; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.