Mount Baker Braces for Potential 7 Feet of Snow from Atmospheric River

As of October 25th, 2025, the Pacific Northwest is bracing for a significant winter storm fueled by an atmospheric river. Meteorologists predict that Mount Baker in Washington state could receive up to 49 inches of snow over the next three days, with the mountain's summit potentially seeing nearly 7 feet of accumulation.

The atmospheric river, a long, narrow region in the atmosphere that transports large amounts of water vapor, is expected to bring heavy snow, heavy rain, and strong winds to the region. While these storms can provide beneficial snow that helps supplement reservoirs during the dry summer months, they can also trigger deadly flooding, mudslides, and widespread power outages.

The National Weather Service has already issued a winter weather advisory for several areas in the Cascades, with forecasts calling for 6 to 10 inches of snow above 3,500 feet, except on Mount Rainier, where 10 to 14 inches are expected. Meteorologists also warn that the summit of Mount Rainier could see more than 50 inches of snow.

Despite the impressive snowfall amounts at the mountain peaks, the National Weather Service focuses its advisories on the elevations where people are most likely to be, rather than the summit areas. However, the agency acknowledges that the high snowfall at the summits can be visually striking and draw attention.