Does It Usually Snow In Washington?

/ Maria's Green Cleaning/

Most people's first images of Washington are of rain. The Pacific Northwest has developed somewhat a reputation for its misty mornings, gloomy days, and cold, wet air. Washington does, however, really get much snow? Where in the state you are looking determines the response to that inquiry. Some places hardly see more than a dusting, while others change yearly into complete winter wonderland

How Washington’s Geography Creates A Mix Of Snowy And Mild Winter Climates

Washington's unusual topography is a big factor in which places see snow and which do not. Running across the state from north to south, the Cascade Mountain Range divides two quite different winter experiences.

  • Western Washington: The Pacific Ocean greatly shapes the western portion of the state, which has cities such Olympia, Tacoma, and Seattle. At lower altitudes, this means somewhat moderate winters with lots of rain but very little snow. Warmer temperatures cause snowfall in cities like Seattle to melt rapidly most of the time.

  • Eastern Washington: Conversely on the opposite side of the Cascades, things alter drastically. Cities such Spokane, Yakima, and Wenchee have far colder winters marked by lots of snowfall. Temperatures drop lower without the warming impact of the ocean, which lets snow linger far longer.

  • Mountains: If there is one Washington location where snowfall is assured every year, it is found in the mountains. Because of their high snowfall, the Olympic Mountains and the Cascades are ideal locations for winter activities such snowboarding and skiing. Snow is routinely expressed in feet rather than inches at sites such Stevens Pass, Mount Baker, and Snoqualmie Pass.

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Young lady in a green jacket cleaning snow on it in a wintery environment.

How Often And How Much It Actually Snows In Different Parts Of The State

Knowing where most likely to get snow, let's now carefully look at the annual variations between different places.

  • Western Washington and Seattle: Seattle has questionable dependability even with snowfall. While some years find the city covered in a light layer, others see more significant snowfall. Although severe snowfall is not usual, Seattle receives around five inches of snow annually. When they do occur, the city is not ready to destroy roadways, so they may cause pretty significant disturbance to the surroundings.

  • Not rare in Spokane and Eastern Washington is 45-inch annual average snowfall. Other Eastern Washington towns include Yakima and Walla Walla get plenty of snow, although less than Spokane usually.

  • Looking for Washington's snowiest resorts, you should travel for the Cascade Mountains. Mount Baker, one of them, claims the greatest known annual snowfall worldwide; in the 1998–1999 season, an incredible 1,140 inches (95 feet).

Lady smiling while cleaning in a green shovel covered with snow in a snowy environment, wearing a green jacket and scarf.

How Snowfall Impacts Daily Life And Travel In Different Parts Of Washington

One thing is certain: Washington snowfall either little or much has an impact. In cities like Seattle, several inches can bring the town to a standstill because many of the roads are steep and there is limited equipment to clear them.

The public transportation is slowed; businesses can shut down. In contrast, Eastern Washington is snow-ready; there is equipment and salt trucks to clear roads. Residents there are experienced in handling cold, and life goes quite naturally. Even so, especially in passes, much snow makes travel perilous. Washington snowfall is a dream-come-true for winter sports enthusiasts.

Drawing thousands of visitors each year, ski resorts like Stevens Pass, Crystal Mountain, and Snoqualmie offer some of the country's finest skiing and snowboarding.

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Whether You Love It Or Hate It Snow In Washington Is A Reality That Changes With Location

So, does Washington usually snow? The answer depends upon where you are. In Seattle, snow is something that comes along unexpectedly. However, if you travel to the east or into the mountains, snow is a part of a typical winter. Whether or not you want to go for a snowy adventure or simply avoid winter travel trouble, having some idea of where and when it snows in Washington can help in planning.

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