Skip to content
✨ New: PhotoWeather is now available on iOS and Android
Rule Storm Chaser

Snoqualmie - Storm Chaser - Pacific Northwest

Snoqualmie, Washington, United States

Dramatic storm conditions — from atmospheric builds to active thunderstorms

No opportunities right now
Here’s what usually blocks matches

No Storm Chaser opportunities in the next 14 days

Get notified
Free alerts · takes 30 seconds
Rule requirements (key thresholds)
Storm Intensity · ≥ 55.0% Cloud Drama Score · ≥ 55.0% CAPE · ≥ 1200.0J/kg Lifted Index · ≤ -2.0°C

Tip: Scroll down to the 72-hour table to see exactly which condition fails hour by hour.

Most common blockers (next 72 hours)
Storm Intensity 100% failing
CAPE 100% failing
Cloud Drama Score 90% failing

Currently

Real-time conditions
Cloud Cover100%
Wind Gusts3.1m/s
Precipitation Chance0%
Air Pressure956.1hPa
CAPE0
Lifted Index8.3°C
Wind Gusts3.1m/s
Precipitation0.0mm

Upcoming Opportunities

When all conditions match, PhotoWeather marks an opportunity window.

Times shown in America/Los_Angeles

No opportunities in the next 10 days

See the blocker timeline below to understand which conditions are preventing matches.

What this forecast looks for

Plain-language explanation from the rule

This forecast tracks Pacific storm systems hitting the Northwest coast, identifying when conditions create dramatic photography opportunities while balancing safety considerations. We monitor storm intensity, wave height, wind patterns, and King Tide timing to predict optimal storm photography windows.

The Pacific Northwest receives powerful storm systems throughout fall and winter, creating spectacular wave action along its rugged coastline. These storms combine with the region's dramatic sea stacks, headlands, and coastal forests to produce compelling images. Winter "King Tides"—exceptionally high tides—amplify storm impacts.

What makes the Pacific Northwest special for storm photography:

  • Pacific storm power - Powerful winter systems bring dramatic wave action to exposed coastlines
  • King Tides - December-February extreme high tides create exceptional wave drama
  • Haystack Rock storms - Cannon Beach's iconic sea stack withstanding storm waves
  • Cape Disappointment - One of the most dangerous bar crossings offers dramatic lighthouse storm scenes

Cannon Beach becomes a premier storm photography destination during winter storm events, particularly during King Tides when waves can reach spectacular heights around Haystack Rock and the surrounding sea stacks. The combination of accessible beach, dramatic rock formations, and powerful Pacific swells creates world-class opportunities. Cape Disappointment at the mouth of the Columbia River offers lighthouse drama during storms—waves crash against the rocky headland while the historic lighthouse stands sentinel. Shore Acres State Park near Coos Bay features a protected viewing platform where photographers can safely capture massive storm waves exploding against the cliff face. The Olympic coast provides wilderness storm photography with sea stacks and rugged shoreline. Safety is essential—our forecast helps identify conditions that are dramatic but manageable, tracking when peak storm intensity has passed but seas remain photogenic. Never turn your back on the ocean, watch for sneaker waves, and maintain safe distances from surf.

Create your own Storm Chaser alerts

Get notified when these conditions match at your own locations.

Get this template

72-hour requirements breakdown

What passed or failed, hour by hour
0matching hours in the next 95 hours
OR logic: one branch per group is enough
Meets requirement
Misses requirement
Time
America/Los_Angeles
Storm Intensity
≥ 55.0%
Cloud Drama Score
≥ 55.0%
CAPE
OR1·B1
≥ 1200.0J/kg
Lifted Index
OR1·B2
≤ -2.0°C
Visibility
≥ 2500.0m
Wind Gusts
≤ 22.0m/s
Fri, Apr 17
06:0016%49%4J/kg13°C185m0.21m/s
07:0016%46%5J/kg13°C173m0.21m/s
08:0031%35%0J/kg13°C260m0.4m/s
09:0015%52%0J/kg13°C1234m0.21m/s
10:000%53%0J/kg13°C10371m0.42m/s
11:0013%51%8J/kg13°C17170m0.9m/s
12:000%35%4J/kg12°C24007m1.1m/s
13:000%53%1J/kg12°C24135m1.3m/s
14:000%39%2J/kg11°C24134m1.9m/s
15:000%48%0J/kg10°C24134m2.1m/s
16:000%54%0J/kg9°C24134m1.8m/s
17:000%36%0J/kg8°C24134m1.7m/s
18:000%43%0J/kg7.5°C24134m1.8m/s
19:000%46%0J/kg7°C24134m1.7m/s
20:000%46%0J/kg6.2°C24135m0.71m/s
21:000%42%0J/kg5.4°C24135m0.5m/s
22:000%0.5%0J/kg5.3°C24134m1.3m/s
23:0013%1.1%0J/kg6.2°C24135m1.5m/s
Sat, Apr 18
24:000%0.2%0J/kg6.9°C24134m1.7m/s
01:000%0.7%0J/kg7.4°C24134m1.4m/s
02:0013%4%0J/kg7.7°C24135m1.7m/s
03:000%2.9%0J/kg7.6°C24134m2.6m/s
04:000%4.2%0J/kg7.8°C24135m3m/s
05:0013%46%0J/kg8.3°C24134m3m/s
06:000%46%0J/kg8.3°C24134m3.1m/s
07:000%50%0J/kg8.5°C24135m3.4m/s
08:0013%47%0J/kg9.2°C24135m3.3m/s
09:000%47%0J/kg9.4°C24135m2.9m/s
10:000%51%0J/kg9.9°C24135m2.6m/s
11:0013%30%0J/kg9.7°C24134m2m/s
12:000%39%0J/kg9.3°C24135m1.9m/s
13:000%41%0J/kg8.8°C24135m2m/s
14:0013%34%0J/kg8.4°C24134m2.3m/s
15:000%31%0J/kg8.2°C24134m2m/s
16:000%21%0J/kg7.9°C24135m2.1m/s
17:000%19%0J/kg7.7°C24135m1.6m/s
18:000%20%0J/kg7.6°C24135m1.4m/s
19:000%22%0J/kg7.1°C24135m0.9m/s
20:000%26%0J/kg7.2°C24135m1.7m/s
21:000%29%0J/kg7°C24135m3m/s
22:000%12%0J/kg6.9°C24134m3.4m/s
23:000%15%0J/kg6.9°C24134m3.6m/s
Sun, Apr 19
24:000%8.7%0J/kg6.9°C24135m4.5m/s
01:000%4.4%0J/kg7°C24134m4.6m/s
02:0015%1.4%0J/kg7.2°C24134m4.6m/s
03:000%4.1%0J/kg7.2°C24134m4.7m/s
04:000%6.5%0J/kg6.8°C24135m4.5m/s
05:0015%21%0J/kg6.3°C24134m4.4m/s
06:000%25%0J/kg5.9°C24135m4.6m/s
07:000%21%0J/kg5.2°C24135m4.3m/s
08:0013%16%0J/kg4.6°C24134m4.3m/s
09:000%12%0J/kg4.6°C24134m4m/s
10:000%37%0J/kg5.1°C24134m3.6m/s
11:0013%30%0J/kg4.9°C24134m3.3m/s
12:000%32%0J/kg4.9°C24134m3.7m/s
13:000%30%0J/kg4.2°C24134m3.6m/s
14:0013%31%0J/kg3.7°C24135m3.3m/s
15:000%36%0J/kg3.3°C24134m2.7m/s
16:000%39%0J/kg2.8°C24135m2m/s
17:000%42%0J/kg2.6°C24134m2.3m/s
18:000%46%0J/kg1.6°C24135m2.1m/s
19:000%51%0J/kg1.6°C24135m1.1m/s
20:000%78%0J/kg1.8°C24134m0.7m/s
21:000%72%0J/kg1.9°C24135m1.3m/s
22:000%13%0J/kg2.1°C24134m1.6m/s
23:000%12%0J/kg2°C24134m1.7m/s
Mon, Apr 20
24:000%13%0J/kg2.3°C24134m1.7m/s
01:000%14%0J/kg1.8°C24135m1.8m/s
02:000%15%0J/kg1.9°C24135m1.8m/s
03:000%15%0J/kg1.8°C24134m1.8m/s
04:000%10%0J/kg1.9°C24134m1.9m/s
05:000%61%0J/kg2.9°C24135m1.9m/s
06:000%59%0J/kg3.8°C24135m1.8m/s
07:000%58%0J/kg4.3°C24134m1.7m/s
08:0013%50%0J/kg4.1°C24134m1.7m/s
09:000%44%0J/kg3.6°C24135m1.2m/s
10:000%47%0J/kg3.5°C24135m1.2m/s
11:0013%17%0J/kg2.8°C24135m1.9m/s
12:000%30%0J/kg2.6°C24135m1.6m/s
13:000%43%0J/kg2.4°C24135m1.2m/s
14:000%19%0J/kg2.2°C24135m0.83m/s
15:000%19%0J/kg2.4°C24135m1.8m/s
16:000%25%0J/kg2.5°C24135m2.8m/s
17:0011%21%0J/kg2.7°C24135m3.8m/s
18:000%53%0J/kg2.7°C24135m3.8m/s
19:000%57%0J/kg2.8°C24135m3.8m/s
20:000%22%0J/kg2.8°C24135m3.8m/s
21:000%88%0J/kg3°C24135m4.4m/s
22:000%0%0J/kg3.2°C24135m4.9m/s
23:000%0%0J/kg3.5°C24135m5.5m/s
Tue, Apr 21
24:000%0%0J/kg3.4°C24135m4.8m/s
01:000%0%0J/kg3.3°C24135m4m/s
02:000%0%0J/kg3.2°C24135m3.2m/s
03:000%0%0J/kg3.3°C24135m2.9m/s
04:000%0%0J/kg3.3°C24135m2.5m/s
How to read: colored cells show whether each predicate requirement is met; highlighted rows mean the full rule matched (an opportunity). For OR groups, only one branch is required, so some OR-branch predicates can be ✕ even in a matching hour.

What does Cloud Drama Score mean?

Inputs that drive the score

This derived score summarizes multiple raw weather signals. The table below shows the supporting inputs hour by hour, so you can see what's pushing the score up or down.

Time
America/Los_Angeles
Air Pressure
hPa
CAPE
J/kg
High Clouds
%
Lifted Index
°C
Low Clouds
%
Mid-Level Clouds
%
Precipitation Chance
%
Rainfall
mm
Relative Humidity
%
Showers
mm
Simulated Reflectivity
dBZ
Solar Elevation
°
Total Cloud Coverage
%
Total Precipitation
mm
Wind Shear 0-3 km
m/s
Wind Shear 0-6 km
m/s
Wind Speed
m/s
Sat, Apr 18 Sunrise 06:12 Sunset 20:01
06:00
956hPa 0J/kg 100% 8.3°C 0% 100% 0% 0mm 72% 0mm -20dBZ -2.7° 100% 0mm - - 2.6m/s
07:00
956hPa 0J/kg 100% 8.5°C 0% 100% 0% 0mm 68% 0mm -20dBZ 7.1° 100% 0mm - - 2.4m/s
08:00
956hPa 0J/kg 100% 9.2°C 4% 100% 0% 0mm 63% 0mm -20dBZ 17° 100% 0mm 7.7m/s 14m/s 2m/s
09:00
956hPa 0J/kg 100% 9.4°C 23% 100% 0% 0mm 52% 0mm -20dBZ 27° 100% 0mm - - 1.7m/s
10:00
955hPa 0J/kg 47% 9.9°C 5% 100% 0% 0mm 44% 0mm -20dBZ 37° 100% 0mm - - 1.5m/s
11:00
955hPa 0J/kg 100% 9.7°C 5% 100% 0% 0mm 39% 0mm -20dBZ 45° 100% 0mm 7m/s 14m/s 1.2m/s
12:00
955hPa 0J/kg 80% 9.3°C 22% 98% 0% 0mm 36% 0mm -20dBZ 51° 98% 0mm - - 1.3m/s
13:00
955hPa 0J/kg 99% 8.8°C 19% 100% 0% 0mm 35% 0mm -20dBZ 54° 100% 0mm - - 1.5m/s
14:00
954hPa 0J/kg 89% 8.4°C 6% 100% 0% 0mm 34% 0mm -20dBZ 52° 100% 0mm 8.1m/s 12m/s 1.7m/s
15:00
953hPa 0J/kg 100% 8.2°C 5% 18% 0% 0mm 33% 0mm -20dBZ 46° 100% 0mm - - 1.4m/s
16:00
953hPa 0J/kg 100% 7.9°C 5% 5% 0% 0mm 34% 0mm -20dBZ 39° 100% 0mm - - 1.3m/s
17:00
952hPa 0J/kg 100% 7.7°C 5% 5% 0% 0mm 37% 0mm -20dBZ 29° 100% 0mm 9.2m/s 8.6m/s 1.1m/s
18:00
952hPa 0J/kg 96% 7.6°C 5% 5% 0% 0mm 46% 0mm -20dBZ 19° 96% 0mm - - 0.87m/s
19:00
952hPa 0J/kg 96% 7.1°C 5% 5% 0% 0mm 63% 0mm -20dBZ 9.4° 96% 0mm - - 1m/s
20:00
952hPa 0J/kg 100% 7.2°C 2% 5% 0% 0mm 74% 0mm -20dBZ -0.07° 100% 0mm 9.9m/s 6.4m/s 2.2m/s
21:00
952hPa 0J/kg 92% 7°C 0% 5% 0% 0mm 75% 0mm -20dBZ -9.9° 92% 0mm - - 2.7m/s
22:00
952hPa 0J/kg 74% 6.9°C 0% 6% 0% 0mm 72% 0mm -20dBZ -18° 74% 0mm - - 3m/s
23:00
952hPa 0J/kg 64% 6.9°C 0% 0% 0% 0mm 71% 0mm -20dBZ -25° 64% 0mm 9.1m/s 7.8m/s 3.2m/s
Sun, Apr 19 Sunrise 06:11 Sunset 20:02
24:00
952hPa 0J/kg 100% 6.9°C 0% 0% 0% 0mm 71% 0mm -20dBZ -29° 100% 0mm - - 3.3m/s
01:00
952hPa 0J/kg 100% 7°C 0% 0% 0% 0mm 70% 0mm -20dBZ -31° 100% 0mm - - 3.4m/s
02:00
951hPa 0J/kg 87% 7.2°C 0% 1% 0% 0mm 69% 0mm -20dBZ -30° 87% 0mm 13m/s 12m/s 3.4m/s
03:00
951hPa 0J/kg 100% 7.2°C 2% 5% 0% 0mm 70% 0mm -20dBZ -26° 100% 0mm - - 3.4m/s
04:00
951hPa 0J/kg 100% 6.8°C 4% 5% 0% 0mm 70% 0mm -20dBZ -20° 100% 0mm - - 3.3m/s
05:00
951hPa 0J/kg 100% 6.3°C 4% 5% 0% 0mm 71% 0mm -20dBZ -12° 100% 0mm 11m/s 11m/s 3.2m/s
06:00
950hPa 0J/kg 99% 5.9°C 5% 5% 0% 0mm 72% 0mm -20dBZ -2.4° 99% 0mm - - 3.3m/s
07:00
950hPa 0J/kg 100% 5.2°C 5% 5% 0% 0mm 70% 0mm -20dBZ 7.4° 100% 0mm - - 3.1m/s
08:00
950hPa 0J/kg 100% 4.6°C 5% 5% 0% 0mm 64% 0mm -20dBZ 17° 100% 0mm 9.6m/s 11m/s 2.5m/s
09:00
950hPa 0J/kg 100% 4.6°C 4% 7% 0% 0mm 53% 0mm -20dBZ 27° 100% 0mm - - 2.2m/s
10:00
950hPa 0J/kg 100% 5.1°C 4% 100% 0% 0mm 43% 0mm -20dBZ 37° 100% 0mm - - 1.9m/s
11:00
950hPa 0J/kg 100% 4.9°C 3% 100% 0% 0mm 39% 0mm -20dBZ 45° 100% 0mm 5.8m/s 12m/s 1.7m/s
12:00
950hPa 0J/kg 100% 4.9°C 1% 100% 0% 0mm 36% 0mm -20dBZ 51° 100% 0mm - - 1.7m/s
13:00
950hPa 0J/kg 100% 4.2°C 2% 78% 0% 0mm 33% 0mm -20dBZ 54° 100% 0mm - - 1.8m/s
14:00
949hPa 0J/kg 100% 3.7°C 5% 85% 0% 0mm 32% 0mm -20dBZ 52° 100% 0mm 8.1m/s 12m/s 1.9m/s
15:00
949hPa 0J/kg 81% 3.3°C 4% 91% 0% 0mm 32% 0mm -20dBZ 47° 91% 0mm - - 1.4m/s
16:00
949hPa 0J/kg 97% 2.8°C 1% 25% 0% 0mm 32% 0mm -20dBZ 39° 97% 0mm - - 0.31m/s
17:00
949hPa 0J/kg 80% 2.6°C 0% 87% 0% 0mm 37% 0mm -20dBZ 30° 87% 0mm 4.8m/s 9.4m/s 1m/s
18:00
949hPa 0J/kg 76% 1.6°C 0% 100% 0% 0mm 55% 0mm -20dBZ 20° 100% 0mm - - 1.8m/s
19:00
950hPa 0J/kg 74% 1.6°C 2% 98% 0% 0mm 74% 0mm -20dBZ 9.6° 98% 0mm - - 1.2m/s
20:00
950hPa 0J/kg 30% 1.8°C 0% 94% 0% 0mm 83% 0mm -20dBZ 0.16° 94% 0mm 0.63m/s 6.5m/s 0.69m/s
21:00
951hPa 0J/kg 8% 1.9°C 0% 63% 0% 0mm 85% 0mm -20dBZ -9.6° 64% 0mm - - 1.6m/s
22:00
951hPa 0J/kg 23% 2.1°C 0% 5% 0% 0mm 85% 0mm -20dBZ -18° 23% 0mm - - 2m/s
23:00
951hPa 0J/kg 93% 2°C 0% 5% 0% 0mm 83% 0mm -20dBZ -25° 93% 0mm 3m/s 6m/s 2.2m/s
Mon, Apr 20 Sunrise 06:09 Sunset 20:03
24:00
951hPa 0J/kg 54% 2.3°C 0% 5% 0% 0mm 80% 0mm -20dBZ -29° 54% 0mm - - 2.2m/s
01:00
951hPa 0J/kg 13% 1.8°C 0% 5% 0% 0mm 78% 0mm -20dBZ -31° 13% 0mm - - 2.2m/s
02:00
950hPa 0J/kg 66% 1.9°C 0% 5% 0% 0mm 77% 0mm -20dBZ -30° 66% 0mm 8.2m/s 9.8m/s 2.2m/s
03:00
950hPa 0J/kg 100% 1.8°C 0% 17% 0% 0mm 75% 0mm -20dBZ -26° 100% 0mm - - 2.3m/s
04:00
949hPa 0J/kg 99% 1.9°C 0% 14% 0% 0mm 74% 0mm -20dBZ -19° 99% 0mm - - 2.3m/s
05:00
949hPa 0J/kg 81% 2.9°C 0% 16% 0% 0mm 73% 0mm -20dBZ -11° 81% 0mm 7.5m/s 9.8m/s 2.3m/s
06:00
948hPa 0J/kg 100% 3.8°C 0% 36% 0% 0mm 72% 0mm -20dBZ -2.1° 100% 0mm - - 2.2m/s
07:00
949hPa 0J/kg 100% 4.3°C 0% 63% 0% 0mm 68% 0mm -20dBZ 7.6° 100% 0mm - - 2.1m/s
08:00
949hPa 0J/kg 100% 4.1°C 1% 57% 0% 0mm 60% 0mm -20dBZ 18° 100% 0mm 9m/s 10m/s 0.93m/s
09:00
949hPa 0J/kg 86% 3.6°C 0% 14% 0% 0mm 50% 0mm -20dBZ 28° 86% 0mm - - 0.72m/s
10:00
949hPa 0J/kg 90% 3.5°C 0% 39% 0% 0mm 43% 0mm -20dBZ 37° 90% 0mm - - 0.76m/s
11:00
949hPa 0J/kg 100% 2.8°C 0% 6% 0% 0mm 40% 0mm -20dBZ 46° 100% 0mm 8.7m/s 10m/s 1.2m/s
12:00
959hPa 0J/kg 67% 2.6°C 0% 36% 5% 0mm 49% 0mm -20dBZ 52° 99% 0mm - - 1.1m/s
13:00
970hPa 0J/kg 33% 2.4°C 0% 67% 11% 0mm 59% 0mm -20dBZ 54° 98% 0mm - - 1m/s
14:00
980hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.2°C 0% 98% 16% 0mm 69% 0mm -20dBZ 52° 98% 0mm 5.5m/s 7.9m/s 0.92m/s
15:00
981hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.4°C 0% 97% 18% 0mm 73% 0mm -20dBZ 47° 97% 0mm - - 1.5m/s
16:00
982hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.5°C 0% 96% 20% 0mm 78% 0mm -20dBZ 39° 96% 0mm - - 2.2m/s
17:00
983hPa 0J/kg 0% 2.7°C 0% 95% 22% 0mm 83% 0mm -20dBZ 30° 95% 0mm 6.1m/s 11m/s 2.8m/s
18:00
983hPa 0J/kg 2% 2.7°C 0% 65% 15% 0mm 86% 0mm -20dBZ 20° 66% 0mm - - 2.7m/s
19:00
984hPa 0J/kg 4% 2.8°C 0% 35% 7% 0mm 89% 0mm -20dBZ 9.8° 36% 0mm - - 2.5m/s
20:00
984hPa 0J/kg 6% 2.8°C 0% 5% 0% 0mm 92% 0mm -20dBZ 0.35° 6% 0mm 5m/s 9.8m/s 2.4m/s
21:00
984hPa 0J/kg 38% 3°C 0% 37% 0% 0mm 89% 0mm -20dBZ -9.4° 38% 0mm - - 2.5m/s
22:00
984hPa 0J/kg 69% 3.2°C 0% 68% 0% 0mm 86% 0mm -20dBZ -18° 69% 0mm - - 2.5m/s
23:00
984hPa 0J/kg 100% 3.5°C 0% 100% 0% 0mm 83% 0mm -20dBZ -24° 100% 0mm 3.1m/s 6.2m/s 2.5m/s
Tue, Apr 21 Sunrise 06:07 Sunset 20:05
24:00
984hPa 0J/kg 88% 3.4°C 17% 94% 7% 0mm 79% 0mm -20dBZ -29° 94% 0mm - - 2.1m/s
01:00
983hPa 0J/kg 77% 3.3°C 33% 88% 15% 0mm 75% 0mm -20dBZ -31° 88% 0mm - - 1.8m/s
02:00
983hPa 0J/kg 65% 3.2°C 50% 82% 22% 0mm 71% 0mm -20dBZ -29° 82% 0mm 1m/s 2.3m/s 1.4m/s
03:00
983hPa 0J/kg 45% 3.3°C 36% 71% 48% 0mm 66% 0mm -20dBZ -25° 72% 0mm - - 1.5m/s
04:00
983hPa 0J/kg 25% 3.3°C 21% 61% 74% 0mm 61% 0mm -20dBZ -19° 62% 0mm - - 1.7m/s
05:00
982hPa 0J/kg 5% 3.3°C 7% 50% 100% 0mm 56% 0mm -20dBZ -11° 51% 0mm 7.1m/s 5.5m/s 1.8m/s
How to read: these inputs help produce the derived score; they are not requirements by themselves.

Get Notified of Opportunities

Create your own custom alerts for this location and more.

Create Free Account