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This is the weekly weather briefing for Monday, March 10th, 2014. This briefing will
cover the weather for the upcoming week across the Inland Northwest. As always, forecast
are subject to change, so please check our website during the week for updated information.
Our main concern right now is flooding on the St. Joe, Coeur D’Alene, and Grande Ronde rivers where flooding is occurring. Fortunately
the weather pattern will be quieting down this week. We’ll see some lingering showers this evening, followed by dry conditions Tuesday
through Thursday. On Friday we’ll see a chance of showers followed by drier and warmer conditions over the weekend. Then late Sunday
night cooler and windier weather is expected along with a chance of showers.
Three main ingredients that typically results in sharp river rises came together over the past 48 hours. First heavy rain fell over the Idaho
Panhandle and across northeast Oregon. Second, warm temperatures in the mountains with highs in the upper 30s and 40s resulting in
melting snow. In addition, windy weather in the mountains with gusts on the higher peaks ranging from 45 to 65 mph enhanced the melting
of snow.
Lets now look at some of the main stem rivers that are at or above flood stage. The Grande Ronde River which runs into Asotin county
peaked this morning at 11.85 feet and is now falling. This river is falling faster than forecast and may drop below flood stage sooner than
forecast.
For the Coeur D’Alene River at Cataldo, the river is rising and is expected to crest near 45.4 feet tonight. The river should then drop below flood
state late Tuesday evening.
For the St. Joe River at Saint Maries, the river is rising and is expected to crest near 33.9 feet late Tuesday morning or early afternoon. The
river should then drop below flood state by Thursday afternoon.
Finally, the Palouse River at Potlatch is running high, and will most likely crest near flood stage this afternoon.
Now looking at this week’s weather. For tonight we’ll be looking at lingering showers especially over southeast Washington and south Idaho
Panhandle. Snow is expected in the mountains. However most of this snow will fall during the afternoon and evening when road temperatures
are warmer. Thus no significant road accumulations are expected. We will also have a slight chance for thunderstorms which could
briefly result in snow accumulating on roads.
The weather will turn quieter on Tuesday with dry conditions expected through Thursday. A warming trend to slightly above average will also
occur.
On Friday a weak system is expected to pass through the region bringing a chance for valley rain and mountain snow showers. The best
chances will be in the Cascades and the Idaho Panhandle with the Columbia Basin likely remaining dry.
This graphic is of Water Vapor Transport for Saturday. The orange and red colored areas depict increased atmospheric moisture or an
Atmospheric River. This high amount of tropical moisture is expected to be aimed to our west over Vancouver Island but could clip the northern
Washington Cascades. However given this is several days out the precise location of this atmospheric river could change so continue to
monitor latest forecasts.
Finally for Sunday night into Monday a cold front is expected to pass through. Uncertainty exists as far as the strength of the front, but will likely
bring an increase in winds with light to moderate precipitation.
The 8 to 14 day outlook from the Climate Prediction Center shows increased odds for cooler and drier conditions for next week.
In summary, the weather pattern for the remainder of the week will be quiet. Flooding will linger on the St. Joe, Coeur D’Alene, and
Grande Ronde Rivers through mid week but river levels will be falling due to the drier weather pattern. A weak system is expected to pass
through on Friday followed by potentially a stronger cold front late Sunday into Monday.
Here is how you can stay informed and get the latest information from the National
Weather Service. Go to our website, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. I hope
you all have a great week. Thank you for tuning in to this Weekly Weather Briefing.