Weekend weather: Cold, snow going to stay in lowlands, mountains

A new snowstorm expected to arrive over the Inland Northwest later on Thursday is going to blanket the region with a fresh layer of light powder that should remain on the ground for the foreseeable future.

The early winter conditions are a boon for local ski and mountain sport areas.

Moderate to heavy snow accumulations are possible in nearly all areas of the region.

A winter storm watch is in effect for Thursday evening through Friday afternoon.

The Spokane region could see 3 to 6 inches of snow during that period.

Mountain areas could see accumulations of 8 to 12 inches, with the exception of the Cascades where 10 to 20 inches are possible.

Those amounts could result in travel delays or chain-up requirements over mountain passes.

The storm is part of a large Pacific system that is drawing subtropical moisture into a low pressure area off the West Coast.

That moisture will be concentrated in areas to the south, but the storm is large enough to affect the entire Pacific Northwest.

Plenty of cold air is in place to allow for snow at all elevations – not only in the Inland Northwest but west of the Cascades, too.

The low will be slow to move off to the east, which will allow for continuing, but lighter, accumulations through Saturday. Spokane could see 1 to 2 inches on Friday night and again on Saturday.

High temperatures should approach the freezing mark on Saturday and Sunday with lows in the middle 20s, both of which are normal for this time of year.

Ski areas are seeing good early-season coverage.

The deepest snow is at Lookout Pass ski area with 34 to 40 inches.

Four other ski areas in the region have smaller amounts, but good coverage.

Mt. Spokane Ski & Snowboard Park reported 2 feet of snow.

The incoming snowstorm today is expected to bring a light powder, which is typically not as difficult for drivers to navigate because it contains less water equivalent.