Alert: Epic Stream of Hot Moisture Takes Aim at West Coast

I am reluctant to use the word “alert” in a title. I use this word today not because of what will happen but because of what might happen. You see? We all hear about northern California and their flood situation not really hearing much about the significant snow pack in Oregon and Washington which is estimated to be 20 feet and 25 feet in some places. Oregon and Washington have not had to endure the amount of rain that California has had to endure.

Although statistics in Oregon and Washington appear to be not as user friendly as California’s water shed data, it is highly possible that the residents of these states have no idea what potential this snow pack brings. The true significance of the high snow pack, usually a good thing, is that as I write this article tonight it is raining upon snow in Oregon, Washington and soon to be northern California.

Make no mistake about it as the video below clearly demonstrates the water or river of moisture bearing down on the Pacific Northwest comes from the equator and therefore is unusually warm. This river of moisture mistakenly referred to as a pineapple express should be called the Tahiti express.

This river can split just like many jet streams have done off the coast of California however, one look at the satellite map should tell you that this river could park over northern California for the next several days. Should that happen we will have the opportunity to see what record warm moisture (for March) can do to an incredible ice pack.

If this storm moves through quickly then flooding should only be moderate. Let’s all hope that is what occurs.

https://youtu.be/fdJ3p14gnkg