As weather outlooks from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are calling for a wetter than average Pacific Northwest winter, paired with below-average temperatures, residents were asked what their favorite things to do in this area of Southwest Washington were when it snows.
Community members answered that question across three Facebook groups, one for Battle Ground, Ridgefield and Woodland each. The answers varied from staying indoors reading, drinking coffee or crocheting to hitting the feet-deep snow-covered roads with 4x4 vehicles.
Mari Ripp, of Woodland, commented that she enjoys driving a side-by-side vehicle to Davis Peak, north of Ariel, to see the winter wonderland, which starts early on the mountain as Davis Peak sits just above 2,900 feet of elevation, according to various topographic maps.
Others suggested the idea of snow-wheeling in their 4x4 vehicles.
Others prefer the indoors. Sara Dawson, of Ridgefield, commented that she enjoys cuddling up in front of her fireplace with coffee, hot chocolate and a movie with her toddlers during a frosty cold morning. When it snows, Dawson stated she will take her toddlers sledding or add food coloring to their water guns and let them “go at it in the snow.”
A Battle Ground Community group member suggested hot chocolate and a good book.
Some people will take to the outdoors locally to enjoy winter weather during cold temperatures. Last year, dozens of Battle Ground area residents took to frozen ponds near the Battle Ground Walmart for the rare opportunity to play pond hockey. This year, residents hope for the opportunity to ice skate on top of a frozen pond or lake, and forecasted below average temperatures may make that possible.
NOAA’s winter weather forecast predicts temperatures for the Pacific Northwest are just “slightly favored” to occur below the seasonal average. The precipitation outlook is favored to be above the seasonal norms for the Pacific Northwest.
NOAA states on its website that, in early November, the agency will debut the Experimental Probabilistic Precipitation Portal available to the public. The webpage will enable viewers to view low-end, expected and high-end amounts of snow and rain, as well as probabilities of exceeding threshold amounts of precipitation, NOAA states. Data will be available on an interactive map, along with tables and graphics to assist local partners that may include emergency management with decision support regarding winter storms.
NOAA states it has made several improvements to its forecasting tools in the last year. The experimental Probabilistic Winter Storm Severity Index (WSSI-P) became operational in late 2023. The WSSI-P enhances communication with both the media and public by visually representing the likelihood of societal impacts due to expected winter hazards across a week’s time. To view the WSSI-P, visit wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/wwd/wssi/prob_wssi.php.
