Ames Lake, WA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Ames Lake, King County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Ames Lake?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged lightning damage or injuries on 22 days in the Foothills and Valleys of Central King County forecast zone and King County — the most common reported hazard around Ames Lake, mostly in July and August. Next come flooding (7 days) and debris flows (4 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightning casualties & damage | 22 | Apr 2015 | Aug 3, 1999 · $650,000 damage |
| Flooding | 7 | Jan 2021 | Jan 7, 2009 · $14 million damage |
| Debris flows | 4 | Mar 2017 | Mar 2, 2014 · $200,000 damage |
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 3 | May 2013 | May 13, 2013 · $25,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 1 | Dec 2006 | Dec 14, 2006 · 1 death · $750,000 damage |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996–2026 (the latest year is partial). A "day" is a date with at least one report in the Foothills and Valleys of Central King County forecast zone and King County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Ames Lake get?
A normal year brings about 3.6 inches of snow to Ames Lake, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Snoqualmie Falls weather station 8.6 miles away. The snowiest month is usually January (1.5 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | 0.1 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 0.2 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Ames Lake?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KATX (Seattle/Tacoma, WA), about 46 miles north-northwest. Radar beams climb as they travel, so the height of the lowest scan over town decides how low in a storm the radar can see.
| Radar | Distance | Lowest beam over Ames Lake | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KATX Seattle/Tacoma, WA | 46 mi north-northwest | 3,200 ft | Good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly |
| KLGX Langley Hill, WA | 107 mi west-southwest | 10,600 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KRTX Portland, OR | 141 mi south-southwest | 16,400 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
Beam height is the center of the 0.5° scan above the radar, with standard refraction. Mountains near a radar can block it further.
Tornado & hail history near Ames Lake
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 7 tornadoes within 25 miles of Ames Lake, 1 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in August and December. The strongest was an F3 on December 12, 1969, which passed about 18 miles west-southwest of town. The most recent was an F0 on June 16, 2006, which touched down about 20 miles north-northeast of town.
Hail: 2 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955; the largest was 1.50-inch hail on June 8, 1972.
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center — tornadoes 1950–2025, hail 1955–2025. Distances are to each tornado's track; ratings before February 2007 use the original Fujita scale.
On TALON you get Ames Lake's live radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks with arrival times and NWS warnings free; close-up radar and rotation detection are part of TALON Pro.
Ames Lake radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Ames Lake, WA?
KATX (Seattle/Tacoma, WA), about 46 miles north-northwest. KLGX (Langley Hill, WA) is 107 miles away and also covers the area.
Can radar see a tornado near Ames Lake?
Radar can't see the tornado itself, but it shows the rotating storm and, once debris is lofted, a debris signature. Over Ames Lake the lowest scan from KATX is about 3,200 ft up — good — most storms and steady rain or snow show clearly.
Is TALON's radar for Ames Lake free?
Yes — the US radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and NWS warnings are free in any browser. Close-up radar, rotation detection and longer forecasts are part of TALON Pro.
Should I rely on radar for my safety?
No app replaces official warnings. When the National Weather Service issues a warning for Ames Lake, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Carnation, WA radar 3 mi
- Sammamish, WA radar 5 mi
- Duvall, WA radar 7 mi
- Issaquah, WA radar 7 mi
- Snoqualmie, WA radar 8 mi
- Redmond, WA radar 8 mi
- Bellevue, WA radar 9 mi
- Newcastle, WA radar 12 mi
- Clyde Hill, WA radar 12 mi
- Yarrow Point, WA radar 12 mi