Short Range Forecast Discussion NWS Weather Prediction Center College Park MD 250 PM EST Sat Feb 4 2017 Valid 00Z Sun Feb 5 2017 - 00Z Tue Feb 7 2017 ...Heavy rain and mountain snow for the West and less active for the Eastern U.S.... An active weather pattern will continue across the western U.S. over the next few days as deep Pacific moisture continues to move inland. An upper level low near the Pacific Northwest, along with a well-defined frontal zone, will provide additional lift and enhance precipitation amounts. The greatest rainfall amounts are expected from central California to western Washington, where 2 to locally 5 inches of rainfall will be possible through Monday. Heavy snow is likely for the higher elevations of the Sierra, Cascades, and the northern Rockies, with snowfall amounts in excess of a foot possible. For the remainder of the U.S., high pressure will remain in control through Saturday night. Return flow on the backside of the surface high pressure area should bring moisture and patchy areas of rain across the Deep South states through Sunday. Some lake-effect snow can also be expected in the vicinity of the Great Lakes. Moderating temperatures are in store for the East Coast for the beginning of the work week ahead of the next storm system. Hamrick Graphics available at www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/basicwx/basicwx_ndfd.php