They are a small radio, which receives just the Weather Service Forecasts. The cost is about 15 - 20 bucks and you can get one at most electronic stores. Ask for a weather radio. Very few commercial radio stations have decent updated weather. Newspapers are also sadly lacking, but check on Thursday in the sports section of the Seattle Times - there's often some good analysis of conditions from Ron Judd.
Television news does a pretty good job, although brief, with mountain weather.
Watch every morning and night as weather changes quickly in the mountains. The internet is now the place to get weather. You can get tons of information and forecasts for anywhere. Sign up for our Powder Alert right here and read our reports from skiers. Wind damage to trees and property.