Weather
Washington Snow Records: 70 Inches in a Day, Winter 2026-27 Next?
Seattle, WA – Washington has experienced some extraordinary winter storms, including a single day snowfall measurement of 70 inches near Mount Rainier. With winter 2026 27 approaching, historical reco
By Natalie Brooks · 2026-10-21T12:55:28.968Z
Seattle, WA – Washington has experienced some extraordinary winter storms, including a single day snowfall measurement of 70 inches near Mount Rainier. With winter 2026 27 approaching, historical records show why even warmer seasonal conditions cannot eliminate the threat of extreme snowfall across the Pacific Northwest.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Rainier Paradise Ranger Station in Pierce County recorded 70 inches of snow Nov. 26, 1955, the highest one day measurement in the supplied Washington county records.
The state's snowfall extremes stretch from the Cascade Mountains to eastern Washington, where powerful winter systems have repeatedly produced significant accumulations.
Washington's 10 Biggest Distinct Single Day Snowfall Records The following list identifies the highest one day measurements from 10 separate storm dates represented in NOAA's county level records. Multiple counties reporting snowfall on the same date are grouped together rather than counted as separate events.
1. Nov. 26, 1955: Rainier Paradise Ranger Station, Pierce County — 70.0 inches 2. Jan. 21, 1935: Winthrop, Okanogan County — 52.0 inches 3. Jan. 2, 1965: Stevens Pass, King County — 45.0 inches . Inchelium in Ferry County also recorded 22 inches. 4. Jan. 20, 1943: Chiwawa River, Chelan County — 44.0 inches . Kloshe Nantich in Clallam County recorded 36.5 inches during the same date. 5. Jan. 19, 1943: Diablo Dam, Whatcom County — 42.0 inches . This observation may be associated with the same broader storm system as the Jan. 20 records. 6. Dec. 29, 1912: Twin Sister Lakes, Yakima County — 40.0 inches 7. Jan. 3, 1895: Lyle, Klickitat County — 39.0 inches . Grand Mound in Thurston County recorded 17.3 inches. 8. Feb. 2, 1916: Cle Elum, Kittitas County — 37.0 inches . Port Townsend recorded 20 inches. 9. Jan. 25, 1954: Cushman Dam, Mason County — 36.0 inches . Aberdeen recorded 28.8 inches. 10. April 12, 1899: Monte Cristo, Snohomish County — 36.0 inches Why Washington's Snowfall History Matters Washington's geography creates dramatically different winter weather conditions.
The Cascade Mountains can receive exceptional snowfall when moisture rich Pacific storms encounter freezing temperatures at higher elevations.
Meanwhile, Seattle and surrounding lowland communities generally experience milder winter conditions, although occasional cold outbreaks can bring disruptive snowfall.
Eastern Washington, including Spokane and communities near the Canadian border, faces different winter risks, including prolonged cold temperatures and significant snow accumulation.
Heavy mountain snowfall can also create avalanche hazards and dangerous travel conditions along major transportation corridors, including Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 2.
What Could This Mean for Winter 2026 27? El Niño can influence Pacific Northwest winter weather patterns, often favoring warmer conditions and potentially reducing mountain snowpack in some areas.
However, El Niño does not prevent powerful winter storms or significant snowfall.
Individual atmospheric systems can still transport large amounts of Pacific moisture into the Cascades, producing substantial accumulations when temperatures are sufficiently cold.
Historical snowfall records cannot predict whether winter 2026 27 will bring another record breaking storm.
They do demonstrate that warmer seasonal conditions do not eliminate the possibility of extreme winter weather.
For Washington residents, particularly those traveling through mountain passes, the message is clear: A relatively mild winter can still contain dangerous, high impact snowstorms.