A series of generally mild but persistent waves will affect the Cascades and surrounding mountains through Sunday, delivering respectable accumulations at mid and upper elevations. Snow levels will hover in the 3000–5000 ft range in Washington and 4000–6000 ft range in Oregon, occasionally dipping lower with passing fronts. Winds will be breezy at times, especially late Thursday into Friday, but nothing out of the ordinary for most ridges and passes. A quieter pattern should emerge early next week, though some minor snow could still brush parts of the region on Tuesday.
Tonight–Thursday: Light snow will continue over the higher terrain, particularly above 3000–4000 ft in Washington and 4000–5000 ft in Oregon, as a weak system moves inland. Snowfall amounts will be on the modest side, but enough to refresh the upper slopes. Precipitation could briefly mix with rain or a few wet flakes at lower elevations, although minimal accumulations are anticipated below mid-mountain.
Friday–Saturday: A stronger surge of moisture arrives from the southwest, bringing more widespread snow to the mountains and rain to most valleys. Snow levels will fluctuate around 3500–4500 ft in Washington and 4000–5500 ft in Oregon; expect moderate to occasionally heavier snow at the higher passes and summits. Gusty easterly or south-southwesterly winds could impact ridgelines, but speeds should only occasionally be high enough to affect lift operations…