Waking up to a winter wonderland is a relatively infrequent occurrence here in Sequim, WA where the average annual snowfall is about two inches. This average may seem deceptive, as some years no snow falls in the lowlands at all, and other years have seen over 20 inches (like 2019.)

Low-level snow in the rain shadow region requires a specific, somewhat rare, atmospheric configuration.

Most of the weather on the Olympic Peninsula comes off the Pacific Ocean, which remains fairly warm throughout the winter. The air that hits land was just over the warm ocean, keeping the lower atmosphere usually above freezing.

The Olympic Peninsula is also protected from masses of cold air from the interior of the continent. The Cascades block westward movement of cold arctic air, leaving the peninsula to its mild, ocean moderated temperatures.

However, sometimes the cold continental air can move westward, finding gaps in mountain barriers. One low-level pathway that these cold air masses can move through is the Fraser River valley.

The northeasterly flow pushing out of the Fraser River valley, picks up moisture over the Strait of Georgia and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, producing snow that gets dropped off on the Olympic lowlands. The perfect balance of cold low-level continental air, with moist and mild, but not too mild, coastal air aloft, creates the optimal conditions for snow in Sequim.

Stay warm and safe and enjoy the unique, meteorological maneuver that brings a sparkling snow to Sequim.

Photos by Ron Parker.