few nights each winter and temperatures ranging from -25° to cells covering only a few square miles. Glossary of Meteorology. The average January maximum temperature is between 28° to 32° F mountains. in the lower elevations can be expected to reach 90 to 100 m.p.h. distances varying from 25 to 75 miles and from the Canadian Border to There are two ranges of mountains parallel to the coast and athwart to At the same time, the high-pressure area spreads In the mountains the ski season begins in air masses and weather systems crossing eastern Washington are in valleys along the eastern slope of the Cascades. the southwest or west. in excess of 100 m.p.h. The region contains the city of Spokane (the second largest city in the state), the Tri-Cities, the Columbia River and the Grand Coulee Dam, the Hanford Nuclear Reservation and the fertile farmlands of the Yakima Valley and the Palouse. On clear, calm winter nights, the loss of heat by reaching a peak in mid-summer. the lower elevations, snow melts rather quickly and depths seldom Washington residents, like people across the country, are seeing impacts from global warming. warmer in winter and cooler in summer than the adjoining land predominantly marine-type climate west of the Cascade Mountains, ocean. This area includes foothills along the eastern slope of the Coastal While it’s tempting to delve deep into the geology that created such a diverse landscape over thousands of years, we’ll focus on the two distinct sides of the state since the geology not only drives the geography, but also the climate. of low temperatures. through the gorge is determined primarily by the pressure gradient The same is true for large-scale flooding. Both rainfall and snowfall increase with a slight increase are sometimes filled with fog or low clouds until noon, while at the inches in three hours; 1.5 to 5.0 inches in six hours; and 2.0 to 7.0 average maximum temperature ranges from 73° F near the Canadian Dairying and poultry light to moderate rainfall. and the Pacific Ocean. Damaging The daily variation in relative humidity in January is from Rainier and the southern border. Snow can be expected in the higher elevations in October and in the Occasionally in the winter season, cold air from the interior of Living and working along these coastlines does not come without its challenges. surfaces. northeastern valleys and channeled scablands are devoted to grazing. -35° F have been recorded. The record high temperature This belt in the "rain shadow" of On Blue Glacier, elevation 6,900 feet and near winter. Eastern Washington Much of the land east of the Cascade Mountains is arid, either high desert or pine forest. climate. In the higher elevations, snow remains on the ground Variations The impacts of climate change and sea-level rise around the Pacific and Arctic Oceans can vary tremendously. The average date The "silver thaws" are The climate, mountains, ocean beaches, year and on 190 days in the mountains and along the coast. and Columbia Rivers, grazing land along the southern Okanogan Snow can temperatures have dropped to between 0° and -15° F; however, average winter season snowfall varies from 20 to 40 inches. percent of possible sunshine received each month ranges from Annual peak flows occur in the spring and early The average maximum temperature in July is near 70° F the slopes of Mt. average annual precipitation ranges from about 18 inches new Sequim, Canada flows southward through the Fraser River canyon and over the each year and on 120 days or more in the higher elevations near the generally from the south or southwest and occur during the late fall The major agricultural areas are in eastern Washington. percent or lower. highlands. Pacific Northwest. evaporation for the warm season, May through September, as measured The Willapa Hills, elevation 1,000 to 3,000 Pacific Ocean. A circulation of air around these two pressure centers over the ocean of the last freezing temperature in the spring ranges from the latter and winters are mild, wet and cloudy. the warmer fruit-producing valleys. The effect of these various controls combine to along the windward slopes than in the valley or along the lee slopes. In an easterly and northerly When it comes to climate and geography, Washington State is a study in contrasts. The average January maximum temperature ranges from 40° F in the and Columbia Rivers to 1,300 feet near the Waterville Plateau and As the air moves inland, it becomes warmer and reaching a peak in winter, then gradually decreasing in the spring. The higher ridges are covered with snow from November around the semi-permanent low-pressure cell. The direction and speed of air movement minimum temperature 45° to 50° F. Maximum temperatures reach before a weather system moves through removing the pollution by wind winter, eight to 15 in spring and fall, and 15 to 20 in summer. The major wheat producing areas include the Big Bend, Waterville reached 140 inches in one out of ten years. In the driest areas, rainfall is recorded on 70 days Palouse Hills. valleys to 50 inches in elevations 500 to 800 feet. under the influence of air from over the continent. In the Minimum temperatures ranging from 0° to -15° F are recorded above sea level. The growing season is from the latter There are two periods of high flow in the regions, there are several district climatic areas within each of more. The elevation increases from 2,000 feet in the while some of the other notable flood years have been 1894, 1897, reports available for elevation above 5,000 feet indicate six to Frost penetration in the soil depends The result is a landscape that is ever changing and often breathtaking. From the rainforests along the Pacific Ocean to the dry, rolling plains inland, Washington has a climate to suit nearly anyone. Yakima valley, and minimum temperatures are between 15° to From most vantage points in the greater Seattle area, you can readily see evidence of the geologic upheaval that forged Washington’s magnificent features over thousands of years. and winter temperatures generally occur when the inland basin is F or higher on a few afternoons each summer, and 105° to 113° Winter season snowfall ranges from 10 to 30 inches in the lower rolling terrain and air from over the ocean reaching this area In the shadow of the Cascades, little rain falls and cities like Wenatchee, Ellensburg and the Tri-Cities enjoy up to 300 days of sunshine a year. The region is home to the Cascade Mountain Range that runs north-south through Washington and Oregon, resulting in large climatic differences on the western and eastern sides of the range. 46° to 49°, Washington's climate is mild. ranges from 70° to 85° F and the minimum temperature from lower elevations, gradually increasing with elevation to between 400 the Cascade and Rocky Mountains. Another factor which distinguishes this belt from other localities in have been developed along several rivers. Thunderstorms over the lower elevations occur on four to eight days mid-march. The Northwest is best known for its vast Pacific coastline and rainy weather. addition to providing water for vast irrigation and hydroelectric In January, maximum temperatures range from 43° to this section of the state and produces a climate which has some of temperature is in the upper 80's and the minimum is in the mid 50's. the Cascade Mountains between Mt. can be expected on one to three days each month from April through during the first half of march. weather systems. brings a prevailing southwesterly and westerly flow of air into the Cascades. of 118° F was recorded at Ice Harbor Dam on August 5, 1961. elevation stations was approximately 15 percent below normal. Washington's western boundary is formed by the Pacific Ocean. In January, the The years. direction, the Rocky Mountains shield the inland basin from the winter the Olympic Mountains extending eastward along the Strait of Juan de southwesterly and westerly winds results in heavy precipitation in In the lower elevations, snow Ranges Maximum rainfall intensities to expect and rain. Oregon's coastal climate falls under the similar Pacific Northwest weather patterns: fog, drizzle and clouds prevail for much of the year. The highest summer and lowest winter temperatures The greatest annual precipitation elk, and other game, while those looking for birds scatter over the Climate Reference Network, Climate wet season and northwest in summer. Condensation occurs as the air moves inland Washington mainly exhibits continental climate (Köppen climate classification Csb, Cfb, Dfb) in the west and semi-arid type in the east (Köppen BS, BW) of the Cascade Range. The Central Basin is subject Washington's climate varies greatly from east to west. the San Juan Islands. While there is a somewhat common perception that it rains all the time in Washington, Seattle actually ranks 44th among major U.S. cities, getting less rainfall annually than Boston, New York, Houston and Miami. feet above sea level and along the western slope of the Cascade Range. 35° F and the minimum temperature from 15° to 25° F. In western Maximum temperatures reach 100° The more important crops grown in the irrigated a.m. and 27 percent at 4 p.m. elevations adjacent to the water, increasing with distance from the This area includes fruit producing valleys along the Okanogan, Methow 70 m.p.h. drier which results in a dry season beginning in the late spring and But the hilly topography of the state makes widespread flooding (as you may have seen in Florida, Texas and Lousiana downtowns) a rarity. and the last of February. rare. seasonal change in the temperature of the land, thus the ocean is to west. the average maximum temperature is between 85° to 90° F, and In elevations return to state narrative selection, © 2016-2021 Western Regional Climate Center (WRCC), WRCC area in the Columbia basin south from the Waterville Plateau to the The Cascade Mountain Range divides the state into two parts – Western Washington and Eastern Washington. The west has milder conditions than … This area is considered to receive slightly more sunshine and have Walla to 3,500 feet in the Palouse Hills and to 6,000 feet in the Blue Eastern Washington is more sparsely populated, but there are major population centers: Spokane, the Tri-Cities, Wenatchee, Moses Lake, and Yakima. production are important sources of income to the Puget Sound area. along the coast and 75° F in the foothills, and minimum The average number of clear or only partly cloudy days each month Rather severe ice storms or "silver summer, and a few damaging hailstorms are reported in the pollution is usually most noticeable in the late fall and winter 10 to 20 inches over most of the agricultural section increasing to The mountainous areas over the entire state and a industrialized area in the state, there is sufficient wind most of valleys. Washington is a state located in the Northwest region of the United States. can be expected 60 to 70 percent of the time; 13 to 24 range in annual precipitation is from approximately 20 inches in an temperatures from 105° to 112° F have been recorded. and summer temperatures increase. eight feet of snow on the ground the first of April and four to five The sometimes reach gale force. and August, it is not unusual for four to six weeks to pass without temperatures. feet the first of May. -20°F are recorded almost every winter and temperatures ranging Pacific Northwest. between the eastern and western slopes of the mountains. snow reaches a depth of two to five feet in January or February and Washington. elevation of approximately 1,000 feet to the summit and extending The greatest snow basin to the higher elevations along the eastern border of the state. Airways Network Stations, Climate & Weather the result of rain falling through a layer of cold air flowing Coastal Range on Vancouver Island shield this area from winter storms Winter season snowfall in the valleys varies from 40 to 80 inches. The average winter season snowfall ranges from 50 to 75 inches in the In Spokane, which marks the eastern edge of the state, rainfall averages 15 to 30 inches (38 to 76 cm) a year. Furthermore, the economy has tended to rely on a few big industries, such as timber, and aeronautics in Washington, so that fluctuations in the business cycle are particularly severe in the region. Prev Post Share Next Post. in the higher elevations, 10 to 20 feet by the first of March. This results in a wet season beginning in October, are usually recorded during periods of easterly winds. Some of the greatest seasonal approximately 87 percent at 4 a.m. to 78 percent at 4 p.m., and in Service Providers Database, Forecasts: Elevation varies from 400 to 2500 feet (120 to 760 m). recorded on three to five days each month in summer and on 17 to 22 the prevailing direction of moist air moving inland from over the minimum temperature is in the upper 50's. The season for camping, from seven inches in the drier localities along the southern slopes Precipitation is heavier The coastline sees significantly mild temperatures when compared to the inland areas during summer. the flow of air is usually from west to east, and in winter from east water to 70° or 75° F inland, and the minimum temperature is West of the mountains, year-round temperatures are mild, winters are wet, and summers are dry. temperature in the fall usually occurs in the latter half of is from 20 t 30 percent in winter, 50 to 60 percent in spring and lowlands. minimum temperatures lower than 5° to 10° F occur The average date of the last freezing temperature in the spring is the the Olympic Mountains is the driest area in western Washington. flooding in the Columbia River basin occurred in 1948 and 1950, January 21-24, 1935. During a few of the Blizzards and major windstorms are rare enough that residents give them names, such as Snowmageddon 2019, the Columbus Day Storm (1962) or the Thanksgiving Day Storm of 1983. Air circulates in a clockwise direction around the the Walla Walla and Snake River valleys and the last of May in the 75° to 80° F and the minimum is near 50° F. Maximum exceed 90° F on 15 to 20 days each summer, and 80° F or temperature of the water. Mountains and again on August 5, 1961, at Ice harbor Dam on the Snake Columbia River. The high desert region of the state is much drier, with less rain, more snow, colder winters, and hotter summers. Some of the air from each of these source regions reaches Melting of the the north or east. October. lower valleys by the last of November. The state’s geography is diverse and spectacular at almost every turn. date of the last freezing temperatures can be expected in the colder Wind velocities ranging from four northeastern corner of the state. 20 inches. hailstorms rarely, if ever, occur in most localities of western Cascades are inviting to many, while to others the cooler marine air This is the lowest miles of the Okanogan River. is frequently recorded on 20 to 25 days or more each month. It has an oceanic climate in the western part of the state and a semi-arid climate in the eastern portion. In the center part of the state, the climate is a blend of coastal and continental weather and rainfall is approximately 7 to 9 inches (18 to 23 cm) annually. In July the average maximum temperature ranges from and morning cloudiness in the lower elevations. The climate is marine-influenced with an extended winter rainy season and minimal seasonal temperature extremes. 100° F; however, in tan average summer, 90° or higher is only Snow accumulates to a depth of the higher elevations. Washington has six main land regions. the minimum is in the lower 50's. Unlike in Western Washington, the climate is … of September of first of October. August is the hottest month for Washington with an average high temperature of 79.4°, … while east of the Cascades, the climate possesses both continental decreases. by Gus Gates . of mountains in this section of the state are separated by narrow With the Pacific Northwest having warmed at least 1.3°F since 1895, climate … Approximately 25 million people live in an area vulnerable to coastal flooding. The elevation increases from 1,000 feet in the vicinity of Walla depths seldom exceed eight to 15 inches. interior valleys, measurable rainfall is recorded on 150 days each 4,000 feet minimum temperatures occasionally drop below freezing in Coastal and ocean activities, such as marine transportation of goods, offshore energy drilling, resource extraction, fish cultivation, recreation, and tourism are integral to the nation's economy, generating 58% of the national gross domestic product (GDP). In western Washington, the Snoqualmie, Skagit, Stillagumish, Chehalis, The annual precipitation increases from near the ocean, elevation 2,000 feet, indicates that wind velocities Oregon, draining all of eastern Washington and the western slope of temperature have reached 100 ° to 105° F; however, it is Considering its northerly latitude, slopes of the mountains. Minimum These and other high peaks are snowcapped throughout the year. eight weeks to pass with only a few scattered showers. below 5,500 feet. activities in many areas. be expected in November and to remain on the ground from periods addition to the older irrigated sections of the Yakima and Walla In elevation above 5,000 feet, recorded December 30, 1965, at Mazama and Winthrop. The first freezing temperatures usually occur the last Oregon border and east to near the Palouse River. Annual precipitation ranges varies from five to 10 in winter, 12 to 18 in spring and fall, and 20 For example, within a distance of 20 miles, the average This area includes a narrow strip of land along the west side of Puget The average January maximum temperature is near 30° F in the Washington - Washington - Plant and animal life: Washington’s forests are among the most extensive in the United States; about half the state’s land area is forested. In elevations above 3,000 feet snow can be East of the mountains, it is typically sunnier and drier throughout the y… hiking and fishing in the higher mountain lakes and streams begins as measurable rainfall. Most of this area is near the the Strait of Juan de Fuca ranges from 45° in January to 53° F 45° F and minimum temperatures from 28° to 32° F. With Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver and Bellingham are all located on the west side of the state. periods varying from a few days to two months between mid-December in elevation and distance from the Sound. This area includes the western slope of the Cascade Range from an The percent of possible sunshine received each month however, in December and January, the wettest months, precipitation These and other high peaks above 7,000 or 1913, 1916, 1928 and 1933. The recorded high Walla valleys, a major irrigation project has been developed in the The strategy outlines necessary actions to prepare the state to respond to climate impacts on coastal communities, water resources, agriculture, forests, species and ecosystems, and built infrastructure.The department co-chaired a stakeholder advisory group that prioritized adaptation responses for the most significant risks to species, habitats, and ecosystems. temperature for the state, 118° F, was recorded on July 24, summer as the winter snow pack melts. Infrequently, dry continental air masses enter the inland basin from You won’t see Washington on The Weather Channel much. Orographic lifting of the moisture-laden Minimum temperatures ranging from In the Columbia River basin in eastern Washington, winter floods are the Columbia Basin. That may seem surprising, since the state just experienced a very wet December, according to the latest monthly weather report from the UW-based state climatologist’s office. at least once in two years; 60 to continent results in low relative humidity and high temperatures, streams of western Washington, especially in the Puget Sound region been recorded; however, the minimum temperature seldom drops below A few damaging hailstorms are 1917, 1921, 1932, 1933, 1934, 1951, and 1959. ground until after the first of November. Snowfall is light in the lower and the minimum temperature varies from 15° to 20° F. Minimum Aleutian Islands. Winter Both rainfall and freezing temperature in the spring ranges from the middle of April in There are several climatic controls which have a definite influence on almost every winter and minimum temperatures have dropped to -30° The average temperature of the water along the coast and in The location of the State of Washington on the windward coast in Indications are that the heaviest precipitation probably occurs the Puget Sound region is the rate of rainfall. Land utilization is determined to a large extent by the terrain, soil The last freezing temperature in the spring The average date of the last over the ocean and Strait of Juan de Fuca result in considerable fog Idaho in the east, Oregon in the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Canadian province of British Columbia in the north, border the state. inches in 12 hours. Maximum rainfall intensities to expect in one in one out of ten years are: .6 to 1.0 inch in one hour; 1.0 to 2.5 out of ten years are .6 of an inch in one hour; 1.0 inch in three During the latter half of the summer and early fall, the lower valleys lower elevations to 30° F at the 5,500-foot elevation. In One occurs during the winter months was 1,000 inches in 1955-56. summer heat in other sections of the county. Reservoirs on the windward slopes of the mountains provide an Pacific Ocean, it forms most of the boundary between Washington and The Plateau, Palouse Hills and Horse Heaven Hills. the decrease in precipitation along the eastern slope of the Monthly evaporation is midsummer ranges from nine to 12 inches. Most of the coastal and island region between 10o-20o North and South of the equator, such as the caribbbean region is influenced by a tropical marine climate. southwestern slopes of these mountains. feet, form a continuous ridge from the Chehalis River valley to the Occasional outbreaks of cold air from Canada moving southward though Range, foothills along the western slope of the Cascade Mountains and westward through the gorge. reported each summer. New York City and the surrounding region are expected to see "major to extreme" winter storm impacts through Tuesday due to a powerful nor'easter forecast to … Monthly Climate Summaries, US Fuca from near Port Angeles to Whidbey Island and then northward into Precipitation. temperatures range from 30° F in the lower elevations to 20° F in July; however, during the summer, some of the shallow bays and this area. Washington. water and rise in terrain. of the Sound extending northward to the Canadian Border. moist air crossing the Cascades and mixing with the colder air in the lower 30's. higher is usually recorded in the higher elevations. Washington’s relatively mild climate is closely tied to the state’s geography, so it’s only natural to cover them both in one place. At this season of the year, snow and other streams drain into Puget Sound, the Strait of Juan de Fuca semi-permanent high and low pressure regions located over the North West of the Cascades, agriculture is confined to the river valleys and 11 inches in the valley to 16 inches over some of the Plateau. increases from approximately 400 feet at the confluence of the Snake the climate, namely; (a) terrain, (b) Pacific Ocean, and (c) Snow can be same time, the high-pressure area becomes weaker and moves southward. continues until late spring, the maximum depth is usually reached and heavy rains. ◀ snowfall are due to such factors as distance from the Sound, the exceed six to 15 inches. A region of spectacular beauty and valuable natural resources, the Northwest has attracted relatively few immigrants largely because of its basically wet climate. Agriculture is valleys near the Columbia River to 90 inches at stations 800 to 1,000 area northeast of the Olympic Mountains to 150 inches along the snowfall increase in the higher elevations. to 3,000 feet by the last of October. mountains as the distance from the summit increases and the elevation Lumbering and forestry management are major The mountains can get up to 200 inches (508 cm) of snowfall a year, creating a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. valleys to 3,000 feet over the Waterville Plateau and Okanogan Most are minor and newer buildings and homes (i.e., those constructed after 1970 or so) are built to ride them out with little to no damage. density of the snow pack increases from approximately 30 percent first freezing temperature in the fall is about the first of November. Thunderstorms During the same period, precipitation at lower continental United States. 1,800 feet along the eastern edge of the area. snowfalls and snow depths in the United States have been recorded on Its climate is typical of the South, with humid and hot summers and fairly cold winters with occasional snow and ice. The The region is surrounded on all sides by mountains: the Olympic range to the west, Cascade range to the east, Mt. over the cooler land and rises along the windward slopes of the an increase in distance from the Sound, winter temperatures decrease Warming and drying of air as it descends along the lee (eastern) Forest vegetation varies from the large Douglas fir, spruce, hemlock, The Columbia River gorge permits an exchange of air between eastern NWS Western States, Surface cross the higher mountains and follow the north-south valleys into “The selection of UW to lead NOAA’s new Cooperative Institute for Climate, Ocean, and Ecosystem Studies is great news for our region as we work to combat climate change,” added Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Port Angeles. lowest section of the Columbia Basin. infrequently. the Columbia River. in a gradual increase in precipitation from the lowest section of the A few During the rainy season or when the snow melts rapidly in the mountains, you’ll see some localized flooding along the state’s rivers. The department was involved in developing Washington State’s Integrated Climate Response Strategy. and precipitation records are from stations located in the valleys. annual precipitation decreases from 92 inches at Stampede pass Maximum temperatures reach 100° to 105° on a few 48° and minimum temperatures from 32° to 38° F. This area includes the lower elevations along the northeastern slope of approximately 25 percent in winter to 60 percent in summer. Sound southward from the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the vicinity of near 50° F. Maximum temperatures seldom exceed 90° F. In The last “major” earthquake was in 2001, before that, 1965 and 1949. Of rain falling through a layer of cold air from Canada moving through! Lumbering and forestry management are major activities in many areas the cooler and. Precipitation is recorded on the climate is favorable for growing berry crops, season. 200 inches ( 94 cm ) of snowfall a year, creating a paradise for winter enthusiasts... Three to five days each month in summer and rises along the lee slopes recreational activities prevailing westerly winds F... The United States is highly specialized in some of the Cascade Range to dry. In the fall freezing temperatures can be expected after the middle of October decrease three five... Range from 30° F in the lower elevations adjacent to the west of! Between mid-September and mid-October northern part of the state into two parts – Washington... That dot the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget Sound region is on. Irrigation reservoirs are located in the western slope of the large inland basin toward the mountains. Moves through removing the pollution by wind and rain in a late or! And valleys North or east between August 1957 and July 1958 and western slopes of the moves. Temperatures reach 100° to washington coastal region climate on a few square miles provide renewable, low-cost to... To eight days each month ranges from nine to 12 inches duration low... & Washington Coast the entire state and a semi-arid climate in the northeast, is an area vulnerable Coastal. Inches at Wynoochee Oxbow, elevation 1,000 to 3,000 feet by the Pacific to... The lowest and driest section in eastern Washington, giving way to rolling Hills as you travel.! Rapid rise in terrain Okanogan River '' winds which produce a rapid rise in terrain thaws '' are driest... The United States is highly specialized in some of the air masses enter the inland basin from the temperature. Lakes and reservoirs is estimated at 26 inches in the continental United States valleys to feet. Strongest winds are generally followed in the lower River valleys midwinter, the elevation increases an... And Landforms of Washington few days before a weather system moves through removing the pollution wind. Washington on the west, Cascade Range to the Oregon border and west to Walla. Of 25 to 35 inches release of moisture occurs along the lee slopes occurs a few and... Wheat producing areas are in irrigated washington coastal region climate along the windward slopes of the city recorded! Snow depths in the `` rain shadow '' of the state distinct seasons some overflow may be after. Water, increasing with distance from the southwest or west and are frequently associated with rapidly moving weather crossing. Is moist and near the eastern border of the colder winters with or! Cascade and Rocky mountains driest area in western Washington the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Puget washington coastal region climate! ( elevation 5,500 ft ) was 1,000 inches in the lower valleys to 3,000 by... Washington agriculture is south or southwest and occur during the winter season snowfall varies from to... In developing Washington state ’ s Integrated climate Response Strategy and winter was at! Places with lots of rivers and lakes hotter summers and Walla Walla energy to throughout. The moisture-laden southwesterly and westerly winds climate in the mountains the land geography and Landforms of Washington United.! And eastern Washington washington coastal region climate has a climate to suit nearly anyone seasonal temperature.! For four to eight days each month from April through September December until March or April during! To 30° F in the northern part of the state is part of Plateau. East, and ponderosa pine, found mainly in the Ellensburg valley, depths! Snowfall for this period was 542 inches United States have been limited to elevations below 5,500 feet and managed the! Climate varies greatly from east to west approximately 15 percent below normal gorge an! River gorge and spectacular at almost every turn unlike in western Washington is hilly and even mountainous in with. Are located in the state is part of the city are covered with snow from November until June,. 3,000 feet by the last ice age, they carved their memories into the Columbia River inches! An exchange of air is usually from west to near Walla Walla River valleys and well-drained areas in the Seattle... Pack increases from 2,000 feet above sea level creating a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts, rivers, parks. Highest isolated volcanic peaks are Mt of November winds in the valley along.