Weekend weather: With even more rain forecast, slide risk continues on steep terrain

More rain in the Inland Northwest is continuing the risk of landslides and high stream flows.

Rain is expected to continue on Thursday and Friday while the current storm moves into the shower phase before the precipitation tapers off on Saturday and Sunday.

A flood watch for Northeast Washington and parts of North Idaho is in effect through late Thursday.

A more serious flood warning has been issued for north-central Washington, including Ferry County, through Thursday afternoon.

Expect high stream flows and potential for ponding water in fields and along roads in addition to the heightened risk of landslides.

Thunderstorms are possible on Thursday evening after a high temperature of 54.

The wind turns breezy on Thursday and Friday with continued shower threats, including possible thunderstorms.

Gusts to 22 mph from the southwest are expected on both days.

There is a good chance that the low pressure area responsible for the rainfall will migrate east starting on Saturday.

Forecasts in Spokane call for partly sunny weather on Saturday with a high of 53 and mostly sunny weather on Easter Sunday with a high of 59.

More wet weather is expected early next week.

Road washouts and slides continue to crop up, limiting access. The Colville National Forest on Wednesday announced more temporary road closures, including Scatter Creek Road south of Republic, which provides access to the Swan, Long, Ferry and Fish Lakes area in Ferry County.

The region’s streams are no longer flooding, but flows remain high.

Since Oct. 1, Spokane International Airport has seen 20.11 inches of precipitation, which is nearly double the normal amount of 11.02 inches.

The one-half inch of snow at the airport on Monday set a record for April 10 in Spokane.

Mountain snowpack is still healthy in the region. It was measured Monday at 96 percent of normal or greater.