The PNW scored deep powder as forecasted! Mount Baker reported 24 inches Wednesday morning with 16 overnight and still dumping (My original forecast was 12-16). Stevens is at 10 inches (Original forecast 8-12) and Crystal at 6 inches (Original forecast 6-11). I debated a chase but pulled the plug due to warming conditions that will be firmly entrenched by late this morning. Snow continues above 3500 for the northern Cascades (Baker may nab another 4-8 inches) with less further south. Temps warm significantly Wednesday night with rain likely at many ski areas by Thursday.
Below: NWAC snow telemetry from Mount Baker up to 24 inches in 24 hours. 16 fell overnight!
Below: Warm front rising 4800-foot temperatures to 1-2 degrees Celsius by afternoon Wednesday in the Cascades. The snow level will continue to be below 4,000 until this evening when temps rise further.
Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming delivered as forecasted with light snow being reported at most ski areas Wednesday morning. 4 inches is the general trend overnight for the I-70 corridor with 6 inches at Steamboat (Overnight) which was highlighted on my post yesterday. Utah was in the 4-8 inch range for many resorts split between day skiing Tuesday and overnight. Alta is up to 4 inches overnight and snowing heavily as of 7 AM Wednesday morning (Sneak up powder day for the Wasatch possible).
Models are showing a persistent flow of NW winds, cooler temps and light snowfall to continue, especially in north/central Colorado. Steamboat and perhaps isolated locations along I-70 (Vail and Breck orographically favored) will pick up an additional 3-6 inches by Thursday morning. Conditions in Colorado will continue to improve as weak to moderate bands of orographically induced snow continue to fall. It's hard to nail down the timing with intense bands.
If you are chasing powder this morning head north to Baker, Stevens, or perhaps Alpental. Grab the pow early before temps crush the quality later Wednesday. In the Rockies head to the Wasatch as it will continue to snow this morning, especially in the Cottonwoods. For Colorado head north or along I-70 (Vail reported 4 inches overnight with more likely in the back bowls). Thursday could be a repeat!
Enjoy the powder everyone!
Powderchaser Steve
