|
|
Average First/Last Dates for Measurable Snowfall at
Select Locations in Eastern Washington and North Idaho |
|
Average First Date (Fall) |
Average Last Date (Spring) |
|
Measurable (at least 0.10") |
1" or more |
2006
(measurable) |
Measurable (at least 0.10") |
1"or more |
2006
(measurable)
|
Spokane Int'l |
Nov 12 |
Nov 19 |
Nov 16 |
Apr 3 |
Mar 9 |
Feb 27 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Republic |
Nov 14 |
Nov 17 |
Nov 2 |
Mar 8 |
Mar 7 |
Mar 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Wenatchee |
Nov 22 |
Nov 28 |
Nov 26 |
Feb 22 |
Feb 17 |
Feb 25 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Sandpoint |
Nov 16 |
Nov 21 |
Nov 27 |
Mar 19 |
Mar 12 |
Apr 3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Coeur d'Alene |
Nov 23 |
Nov 26 |
Nov 27 |
Mar 13 |
Mar 12 |
Mar 1 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lewiston |
Nov 24 |
Dec 2 |
Nov 28 |
Feb 26 |
Feb 4 |
Feb 28 |
For additonal sites, please check out our NOAA On-line Data Page (NOWData). From the main page, click on "Local" under the Climate in the left-hand menu. Click on the "NOWData" tab on the far right. In addition to the first/last dates of measurable snowfall, you can retrieve first/last dates for other variables (e.g. Max Temp <= 32 degrees F). You can also search for daily and monthly averages, daily and monthly extremes as well as record extremes.
![](NOWdata_howto.png)
|
Will it be Snow, Sleet or Freezing Rain?
Among the greatest challenges NWS forecasters face during the winter months is determining precipitation type. Will it fall as freezing rain or snow? Weather balloons, launched twice daily from the NWS office in Spokane, are a crucial component of the decision making process. They provide measurements of temperature, pressure, and wind above the surface. Based on the vertical temperature profile, for example, a forecaster can determine if conditions are more likely to result in snow or freezing rain.
|
Snow |
Sleet |
Freezing Rain |
- Flurries : Light snow falling for short durations. No accumulation or light dusting is all that is expected.
- Showers : Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible.
- Squalls : Brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant.
- Blowing Snow: Wind driven-snow that reduces visibility and causes significant drifting. Blowing snow may be snow that is falling and/or loose snow on the
ground that is picked up by the wind.
- Blizzard : Winds over 35 mph with snow and blowing snow reducing visibility to near zero.
|
- Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. However, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorist.
|
- Rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing. This causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads, forming a coating or glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Click on the thumbnail images above for larger image (pop-ups must be enabled). |
|
|
|
|
What rules or winter weather skills will help keep me safe?
- Be prepared. Take action before the first winter storm to winterize automobiles and prepare emergency survival kits. At home, stock up on food, fuels, first-aid an medical items and other supplies such as batteries for flashlights and radios. Don't forget to check fire extinguishers and smoke detectors.
- Keep up with the latest forecasts and statements from the National Weather Service. Always check the latest forecast before going into mountain areas and don't leave that radio or portable TV behind which could provide weather forecast updates.
- If possible, avoid travel during winter storms.. If you must travel immediately before or during a storm, try not to travel alone. Let someone know your travel schedule and routes. If stranded while traveling, it is best to stay with your vehicle. You can be more at risk trying to walk through the storm for help. In some instances, people have died trying to go less than 1/2 mile for help. Make your vehicle as visible as possible for easier rescue. You can periodically run the motor for short periods each hour, but remember to allow fresh air and ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. When hiking, hunting, skiing, or if your job takes you into mountainous areas, know the weather forecast! Take along extra clothes, food or supplies that could save your life. If stranded overnight, learn survival techniques for shelter and fire making.
- For more information, check out the following brochure "Winter Storms: The Deceptive Killers".
Remember, be prepared in advanced and ready to handle sudden changes during any wintertime travel or outdoor activity.
Around the Home
- Keep ahead of advancing winter weather by listening to NOAA Weather Radio.
- A powerful winter storm will take down power lines knocking out electricity. Check battery powered equipment before the storm arrives.
- Check your food and stock an extra supply. Include food that requires no cooking in case of power failure. If there are infants or people who need special medication at home, make sure you have a supply of the proper food and medicine. Make sure pets and animals have shelter and a water supply.
- If appropriate, check your supply of propane. Fuel carriers may not be able to reach you due to closed roads.
- Be careful when using fireplace, stoves, or space heaters. Proper ventilation is essential to avoid a deadly build-up of carbon monoxide. Don't use charcoal inside as it gives off large amounts of carbon monoxide. Keep flammable material away from space heaters and do not overload electric circuits.
- Dress for the conditions when outdoors. Wear several layers of light-weight, warn clothing: layers can be removed to prevent perspiring and subsequent chill. Outer garments should be tightly woven, waterproof and hooded. For the hands, mittens, snub at the wrists, offer better protection than fingered gloves.
- Don't kill yourself shoveling snow. It is extremely hard work for anyone in less than prime physical condition. It can bring on a heart attack, a major cause of death during and after winter storms.
Automobiles
- Your automobile can be your best friend or worst enemy during winter storms. Get your car winterized before winter arrives. The following items should be checked; ignition system, cooling system, fuel system, battery, lights, tires, heater, brakes, wipers, defroster, oil, exhaust. Keep water out of your fuel tank by keeping it full.
- If you travel often during winter, carry a winter storm kit in you car. It should include; flashlight, windshield scraper, paper towels, extra clothes, matches/candles, booster cables, compass, maps, sand, chains, blankets, high calorie non-perishable food.
- Winter travel by car is serious business. If the storm exceeds or tests your driving ability, seek available shelter immediately.
- Plan your travel. Try not to travel alone and drive in convoy when possible.
- Drive carefully and defensively. Pump your breaks when trying to stop on snow or ice covered roads.
Winter Safety for Schools
- Children can be especially susceptible to the dangers associated with winter weather. Their youthful enthusiasm often takes over when common sense should prevail.
- School administrators and principals need to be sensitive to the dangers winter weather can pose to children and be prepared. Winter weather procedures and practices need to be established before the onset of winter cold. The following items should be considered when formulating a winter weather safety plan:
- All schools should have ready access to current weather information. If the school is in a county covered by NOAA Weather Radio, that would be the best source. Commercial media can also be monitored. Arrangements can also be made with local law enforcement agencies to have critical winter weather forecasts relayed to the school.
- All schools need to have a functional plan in regard to closures due to snow, ice, or extreme cold.
- During the winter months, guidelines need to be established regarding outside recess. Temperatures and wind chills need to be monitored and criteria set as to when outside recess will be allowed.
- School bus drivers should receive extra training on driving during winter weather. Snow and ice can often accumulate quickly and unexpectedly on roads creating dangerous driving conditions.
- With many households having two working parents today, it may be necessary for some children to be brought to school early. Schools should make provisions to allow children inside school buildings as early as possible during cold weather.
|
|
|
Webmaster
US Dept of Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
National Weather Service
Spokane Weather Forecast Office
2601 N. Rambo Rd.
Spokane, Washington 99224
Tel: (509) 244-0110
|
Disclaimer
Information Quality
Credits
Glossary |
Privacy Policy
Freedom of Information Act
About Us
Career Opportunities
|
National Weather Service Mission: "The
National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather,
hydrologic, and climate forecasts and warnings for
the United States, its territories, adjacent waters
and ocean areas, for the protection of life and
property and the enhancement of the national economy.
NWS data and products form a national information
database and infrastructure which can be used by
other governmental agencies, the private sector,
the public, and the global community." |
|
|