This article was originally posted on OpenSnow.com by Powderchaser Steve.
POWDER ALERT – The really good thing about the pattern in the past several weeks is that many areas of the west are reaping huge rewards including the Pacific Northwest, higher elevations of the Sierra (still need more snow at lower elevations), most of the Rockies (ID, WY, CO, UT, MT), and even in New Mexico where a bit more snow is needed.
I was at Jackson Hole when 24-30 inches fell in 2 days. Jackson hit an all-time record of 200 inches season-to-date. This measurement is located above the mid mountain, so take the numbers lightly, but the bottom line is that coverage was amazing from top to bottom.
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The widespread snowfall in the west increased the stoke factor in most zones, reduced crowding in one area, and allowed us to make multi-state chases for 7 days in a row. I can’t remember when I have scored 5-7 days of 12 inches or more in just a 1 week period across 3-4 states.
Recent Highlights
Mammoth Mountain: 39-50 inches in 24 hours
Brighton Resort: 39 inches in 24 hours
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: 30-35 inches in 2 days
Crested Butte: 29 inches in 48 hours
Wolf Creek: 28 inches in 48 hours
Beaver Creek: 18+ inches in 24 hours
Sun Valley: 19 inches in 2 days
Extended Forecast
The next 3-5 days will bring more snow to the Pacific Northwest as well as the northern Rockies, as 2 storm systems impact the Washington and Oregon Cascades.
Total snowfall for the PNW early next week will range from 14-21 inches (both storm systems with a warming trend). The northern WA Cascades might do best Monday where the southern WA Cascades catch up late Monday-Wednesday (Higher overall amounts)
Whistler also scores decent amounts Monday-Tuesday with 18-36cm (7-15in) likely through the period. Interior BC grabs leftovers early this week with 5-10 inches near Kicking Horse, Revelstoke and Fernie as moisture form the PNW weakens and spreads inland.
In the Rockies, snowfall will become widespread over a good portion of northern Idaho (moderate amounts) and Montana (Schweitzer or Whitefish could score) late Monday or early Tuesday. That snow pushes into the Tetons early Tuesday through early Wednesday (5-10 inches by Wednesday morning).
The Wasatch grabs leftovers with a cold front due late Tuesday-Wednesday (light or moderate amounts likely). Colorado gets into the action under NW flow on Wednesday.
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OpenSnow was created by a team of local weather forecasters who are life-long skiers and riders. During the winter, our forecasters write “Daily Snow” updates that will point you toward the best snow conditions. You can also use our mountain-specific forecasts, webcams, and snow reports to find the best snow.
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