[2] Most weather fronts originating in the Pacific Ocean travel northeast toward the Cascade Mountains.

As a result, the west side of the Cascades experiences high precipitation, especially during the winter months in the form of snowfall.

[2] Because of maritime influence, snow tends to be wet and heavy, resulting in avalanche danger.

[2] During winter months, weather is usually cloudy, but due to high pressure systems over the Pacific Ocean that intensify during summer months, there is often little or no cloud cover during the summer.

[2] Due to its temperate climate and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, areas west of the Cascade Crest very rarely experience temperatures below 0 °F (−18 °C) or above 80 °F (27 °C).