Heavy mountain snow, avalanches expected in Western Washington

Heavy mountain snow is expected to hit parts of Western Washington over the next day, and forecasters are warning of avalanche danger throughout the region.

In the Olympics, snow will change to showers this morning, but it will keep snowing in the Cascades, where a heavy snow warning is in effect until 6 a.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service in Seattle.

Up to two feet of snow is expected by Wednesday morning in the Cascades, said weather service forecaster Chris Burke.

"It's a significant amount, but this is not unusual this time of year, especially not this year," said Burke.

A dusting of snow was seen in some areas of the Puget Sound region overnight, with some spots in the higher hills getting up to an inch of snow.

The Hood Canal area saw from three to five inches, Burke said.

The snow is expected to stay in the mountains, with the snow level at 500 feet today and at 1,500 feet tonight.

There are avalanche warnings out today in the Olympic and Cascade mountains, according to the Northwest Weather and Avalanche Center.

The new snowfall may cause instability to the deeper layers of snow on some slopes. Backcountry travel near avalanche terrain is not recommended today.

The state Transportation Department is warning that pass conditions will likely require vehicles to use tire chains, and potential avalanche closures could cause delays at Snoqualmie and Stevens passes.

Chains are required for eastbound travelers at Snoqualmie Pass this morning.

Christina Siderius: csiderius@seattletimes.com