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