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[November 20, 2010] (AP) A major Pacific storm was expected to continue pounding the western U.S. with rain and heavy mountain snow on Saturday.

The system had created a strong cold front that remained situated over the Northwest.

(Click on map for larger image.)

The front was expected to slowly push southeast, moving down California, but was also expected to extend northeast to the Intermountain West and northern Rockies.

At low elevations, this front was projected to continue kicking up widespread and light scattered showers. Between one-half and three-quarters of an inch of rain was expected to fall across California.

The front was likely to gain strength over the mountains, due to additional upward movement forced by topography. Besides cool air pouring in from the north, that was expected to allow for moderate to heavy snowfall across the Sierras, Intermountain West and northern Rockies.

Precipitation over the Cascades was projected to decrease slightly as the cold front passed to the south and another wave of low pressure dipped in from the north.

In the Sierras, snow levels were expected to drop to 2,500 feet, and total accumulation between 3 to 6 inches was forecast, and up to a foot at higher elevations.

In the Cascades, snow levels were anticipated to remain at the valley floors, with accumulations ranging between 1 and 3 inches. Across Utah, snow levels were expected to reach valley floors, but total accumulation was likely to be light.

Elsewhere in the United States, mild weather was expected Saturday due to a wide ridge of high pressure hovering over the Southeast. Skies were expected to be sunny, with highs remaining in the 60s and 70s.

In the North, a low pressure system skirted along the Canadian border, kicking up light and scattered snow showers over the Great Lakes and Northeast. That was expected to pull in some cool air, dropping highs in the 20s and 30s across the north-central United States.

Temperatures in the Lower 48 Friday ranged from a low of minus 18 degrees in Shelby, Mont., to a high of 86 degrees in Gainesville, Fla.

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National Weather Service:
http://iwin.nws.noaa.gov/

Intellicast:
http://www.intellicast.com/

[Associated Press article from Weather Underground]