Study Reveals How Much Snow Fell In Past La Nina Winters

A new study of past La Nina winters suggests people who live in the lowlands should prepare for snow this winter.

Meteorologists have been talking for weeks about how the region is entering a La Nina winter, when Western Washington residents can expect more rain, snow and cold temperatures.

A University of Washington climatologist recently completed a study of lowland winter snow over the past half century.

MORE ON THIS STORY See The Study

"I would say this year we are more likely to get lowland snow with the La Nina," said Karin Bumbaco of the University of Washington.

The study shows as much as 8 inches more snow falls in a La Nina year compared with a normal year.

"The odds of snow west of the Cascades rise sharply in winters like the one heading our way," said chief meteorologist Rebecca Stevenson. "And it could come early -- and often."

Current ocean conditions indicate the possibility of the strongest La Nina in 60 years.

But Bumbaco said that predicting the effects of a La Nina winter isn't precise. In fact, she said there are La Nina years in the past with little or no snow at all.

Bumbaco said she is personally planning for a rough winter in the lowlands, and she recommends we all do the same.

"Be prepared, make sure your heaters are working and you're stocked up with food supplies in case we do have some big storm and you can't get to QFC or wherever you do your shopping," Bumbaco said.