Our Gold Sponsors

7 DAY POWDER FORECAST BRINGS BETTER HOPE LATE WEEK AND IN THE EXTENDED

SUMMARY

Utah scored a sneak up powder day Sunday morning with 7-10 inches being reported at many ski areas by late AM. The next 5 days will feature some light snow primarily for the Tetons late Monday to Tuesday and a moderate warm storm for southern Colorado for Friday. If you want powder on the East Coast, head to Quebec for Friday/Saturday. Even areas of central Maine might score late week (Wildcard)

FORECAST 

Most folks slept in Sunday morning as snow started falling in the Wasatch by 4AM.  Strong enhancement with a weak cold front cranked totals up quickly Sunday by daybreak (1-2 inches at the snow reports) with up to 16 inches at Solitude by 11AM. Big Cottonwood scored the highest amounts with SW wind direction (Often favors BCC) and 8-9 inches towards Snowbird and Alta (BCC). The Park City area did well with similar amounts to Little Cottonwood (7-8). Park City and Deer Valley often over perform with southerly winds (PCMR with SW winds and Deer Valley with S winds).  Reports from the hill ranged from really good in spots to just the opposite in others. What a great surprise for those that motivate Sunday morning on an unexpected double digit day. Who was out there? 

The week ahead features some light snow for the Tetons late Monday to Tuesday (3-5) with higher amounts possible just south of Hoback Junction. The Wasatch will likely see less. Not an exiting forecast. 

Overall this forecast is on the boring side once again and I don't see much hope in an upside surprise. While we might not see much snow in the short term for the West the extended looks better. 

One option this week is to consider flying to Quebec or even sections of Maine where a decent low pressure system will be impacting primarily Eastern Canada late this week into the weekend. 

Below: Significant snowfall likely for Quebec by Saturday morning. 

\"\"

EXTENDED

Models show a northern trough entering Montana late this week with much colder temperatures. Light to moderate snow is likely favoring the northern areas of Montana (Glacier National Park), Whitefish (Wildcard- with strongest moisture just East), that eventually pushes south towards south central Montana (Might tease Bridger and Big Sky- but looking slightly East). Red Lodge Mountain is a wildcard. 

Meanwhile, a 2nd trough pulling moisture from the Baja in the south will begin to impact southern Colorado on Friday. Yesterday's models showed significant snow for New Mexico which has downtrended for today. Wolf Creek and the southern San Juan Range of Colorado are likely to see some moderate snowfall Friday/Saturday. (Begins Friday morning). This is likely to be a warm storm with dense snow. 

Below: Late week systems impacting Montana by Friday and the San Juans . 

\"\"

As the weekend approaches, the models are bullish for some moderate or perhaps heavier snowfall likely for the Tetons and Wasatch. This action might peak late weekend or early the following week as the pattern becomes more unsettled for the Rockies. The Good: Moisture increases in the Rockies late this weekend or early the following week. The Bad: Temps are warm (Montana will stay colder) with colder air north that might limit totals initially or quality. The Temps will cool the following week where quality might improve.

Below: March 17th on week #2 shows a decent Trough entering the Rockies and Sierra.

\"\"

Below: Ensembles are still bullish for many areas mid next week (March 18th-19). 

\"\"

ANNOUNCEMENT 

Currently, I am at North Cascade Heli Ski in Washington. This is an operation that I have wanted to check out for a long time. Reports from skiers today were excellent. Temps have stayed cold for the past several days with snowfall late last week. I will report from North Cascades in the next 24 hours and share some feedback. \"Wow\" \"No rush for 1st chair\" \"I can see the Helicopter from my cabin located just 50 yards away from my room\"

Enjoy the powder everyone!  I will be riding from 5,000 to 8500 feet today. 

Powderchaser Steve 

DONATE TO POWDERCHASERS

Thank you so much, we couldn't do what we do with support from our readers.

Support our work
click here to donate

POWDERCHASERS TRIP CONCIERGE SERVICES

Our expertise gets you direct contact with our weather team to boost your next powder chases. From 2 to 14 chases, pick the concierge package that satisfies your powder hound!

  • Minute-to-minute snow + weather data
  • Tips + hacks on how to score first chair + where to park, stage + eat
  • Direct access to our Powederchasers
  • Sweet merchandise

POWDERCHASERS PASS OPTIONS - Buy + Save 10% on Concierge Trip Planning Packages

SHOP POWDERCHASERS GEAR

View all

ASK A POWDERCHASER

POWDERCHASERS SPONSORS

POWDERCHASERS PARTNERS

eco friendly ski/snowboard wax

Purl Wax

Purl Wax creates eco-friendly ski wax and snowboard wax with superior speed and durability. Biodegradable | No PFC's | No Toxic Chemicals | Made in the USA ...
Skis.com

Skis.com

Skis.com is a family owned company that has been in the ski industry for more than 50 years! Skis.com is a one stop shop online retailer for all your ski equipment and clothing needs!

Alaska Backcountry Guides

Alaska Backcountry Guides

Alaska Backcountry Guides, is a team of dedicated industry veterans. We offer semi-private and private heliski/snowboard trips in the heart of the Chugach mountains. With a maximum of 2 groups per helicopter, we are more nimble to explore the endless terrain that is at our doorstep, and you will never be waiting for the helicopter to take your next run. Alaska is known for its steep terrain, but we have plenty of intermediate terrain as well, and are able to cater to a range of ability levels. These trips are designed with the pandemic era in mind; we have private lodging, a personal chef, regular covid testing for staff/guides/guests, and small group riding to ensure an intimate and safe experience.

Beaver Mountain Ski Area

Beaver Mountain Ski Area

Beaver Mountain Ski Area has been family owned and operated for 81 years. Located in northern Utah we receive that great Utah powder. A great ski and snowboard experience without the prices or crowds of the big resorts.

Unofficial Networks

Unofficial Networks

In 2010, UnofficialNetworks.com was launched to cover the global ski scene with the rollout of local reporters in ski towns across North America. Since that time, the website has recorded hundreds of millions of sessions and has been linked to by numerous publications including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The San Francisco Chronicle, and ESPN.

Indy Pass

Indy Pass

Chase powder to over 120 uncrowded, authentic destinations across the globe that offer you two ski days at each destination. 23/24 pass sales currently on hold!

TIRERACK.com

TIRERACK.com

TireRack.com is Powderchasers’ preferred tire supplier and their tires get us to the powder every single time. They’re America’s largest independent tire tester and consumer-direct source for tires, wheels and performance accessories.

This year, they’re making winter tire and wheel shopping even easier with their new Recommended Package feature. All you have to do is tell them a little bit about your vehicle, and they’ll automatically create a winter package for you. Find your Recommended Package.

Selkirk Powder

Selkirk Powder

Selkirk Powder provides cat, self-propelled, and snowmobile-assisted alpine ski excursions and guided snowmobile tours. A verified outfitter of Polaris Adventures, AIARE avalanche education Provider. With license and permits covering over 200,000 acres of the rugged and beautiful Selkirk Mountain range, SPC conveniently operates at Schweitzer in Sandpoint Idaho. Email Selkirk,;Call the Selkirk Reservation Line, and follow them on Instagram

The Mountain Collective

The Mountain Collective

The Mountain Collective™ boasts 24 dream ski destinations across the globe.


The pass includes two days of skiing or riding with no blackout dates at each of the 23 partners (46 total days), 50 percent discount on all additional days.

POWDERCHASERS POWDER CONCIERGE

View all