Seattle, WA – Washington State could be in for a snowier and wetter winter than normal as the 2025-26 preliminary outlook shows an elevated risk of heavy snowfall and stronger storms from December through February.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center, weak La Niña conditions are developing this fall, with a transition toward a neutral phase expected mid-winter. Historically, La Niña winters often push the Pacific storm track into the Northwest, bringing colder air and above-average precipitation. For Washington, that typically means increased mountain snowpack and frequent lowland storms.
Meteorologists emphasize that this forecast is preliminary, and short-term atmospheric drivers will play a major role in shaping the season. The Arctic Oscillation (AO) and Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) can redirect storms, leading to periods of heavy snow in the Cascades and unpredictable rainfall patterns in western valleys.
The early signal points to:
- Above-average snowfall in the Cascades. Ski areas such as Stevens Pass, Crystal Mountain, and Mount Baker may see strong snowpack development.
- Increased rainfall in western Washington. Seattle, Tacoma, and Olympia are likely to experience wetter-than-normal conditions, raising flooding concerns in river valleys.
- Colder snaps east of the Cascades. Spokane, Yakima, and the Columbia Basin could see more frequent snow events, along with icy road conditions.
Past winters with similar setups illustrate the risk range. Some La Niña years produced near-record snowpack that boosted ski seasons but also heightened avalanche and flooding risks. Others brought prolonged stretches of heavy rain and windstorms that caused power outages and travel delays across western Washington.
Travel impacts are expected to be significant, particularly through I-90 at Snoqualmie Pass and U.S. 2 at Stevens Pass, which often close during heavy snow or avalanche danger. Eastern Washington highways, including I-82 and U.S. 395, could also face icy and snowy conditions.
The official NWS winter forecast will be released October 16, but officials are urging residents to prepare early. That includes flood preparedness for low-lying areas, snow tires or chains for mountain travel, and emergency supplies for both homes and vehicles.
