ZCZC SPCSWOMCD ALL
ACUS11 KWNS 171949 
SPC MCD 171949 
MTZ000-IDZ000-ORZ000-WAZ000-172345-

Mesoscale Discussion 0078
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
0149 PM CST Wed Jan 17 2024

Areas affected...Washington...northeast Oregon...northern
Idaho...and western Montana

Concerning...Heavy snow 

Valid 171949Z - 172345Z

SUMMARY...Heavy snowfall rates between 1-2 inches per hour are
probable - especially at higher elevations - through the afternoon
and early evening.

DISCUSSION...Surface observations over the past hour have reported
an uptick in snowfall intensity across portions of OR and northern
ID. This comes as a swath of precipitation becomes more widespread
ahead of a compact, progressive upper disturbance moving into the
Pacific Northwest. Lift will likely be focused/maximized along a
mid-level baroclinic zone between 850-700 mb, which should overlap
to some degree with a DGZ between 700-600 mb (based on recent
forecast soundings). The combination of more focused ascent within a
portion of the DGZ should support moderate to heavy snowfall rates
up to 1 inch/hour. More localized orographic ascent will likely
enhance snowfall rates within the higher elevations, and could
support snowfall rates up to (and possibly exceeding) 2 inches/hour.
A minimum in snowfall rates is anticipated across central WA where
orographic ascent contribution will be considerably smaller.

..Moore.. 01/17/2024

...Please see www.spc.noaa.gov for graphic product...

ATTN...WFO...TFX...PIH...MSO...BOI...OTX...PDT...SEW...PQR...

LAT...LON   43741612 44651774 44931811 45281833 45861883 46051943
            46172017 46232081 46132148 46802166 47772154 48162145
            48712115 48912075 48981908 48941667 48921651 48961360
            48821298 47921283 44061289 43751324 43471384 43451480
            43481542 43741612 

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