Quick AM update:
Light snow has fallen over much of western Colorado (Currently snowing in most of the northern Mountains). In Utah, the automated snow telemetry for Alta shows 6 inches fell overnight which is a bit more than I expected yesterday. The webcams at Alta show snow on the roadways. In the Pacific Northwest, automated telemetry shows 4-5 inches near the summit at Crystal and perhaps similar amounts at Mount Baker.
Below: Alta Ski area access road this morning via webcam- 7 AM Friday
The big story is heavy snow, colder temps and perhaps our first real base build of the season is due for the weekend. 1-2 feet will fall in the Pacific Northwest (Highest amounts in the southern WA Cascades). 8-12 inches are likely for the Oregon Cascades. The bulk of pow for the PNW will come late Friday to Saturday. In the Rockies, the models all show a significant dump for the Tetons (12-16), Wasatch (12-16), central Idaho (8-12) and Northern Colorado (9-14). Some higher amounts are possible with the NW flow orographics, perhaps in the northern Wasatch or near Rabbit Ears Pass in Colorado. The bulk of the action for the Rockies will happen on Saturday PM to Sunday. You might be able to see some decent amounts in the Tetons and Idaho by late Saturday with most of the bulk falling Saturday night/Sunday. I am most bullish for Crystal (Elevation advantages), Brundage, Grand Targhee, Alta, Beaver, Powder Mountain, Vail, Steamboat, Highlands, Breckenridge. That's not to say that other areas don't score the deep.
Hey, you can ride powder this Sunday in Colorado with A-Basin and Keystone currently open. Dont be surprised if it's all groomed, but snow will still be falling when the lifts open!
If it were mid-winter and I was chasing (PNW late Friday-Saturday), (Tetons or central Idaho late Friday and Saturday) (Wasatch, Tetons, or northern Colorado Sunday).
Enjoy the powder everyone! I am getting excited
Powderchaser Steve
