Our Gold Sponsors

SUMMARY:

Snow is just beginning to fall in the Cascades this morning. Respectable snow levels (2500-3,000 feet) not commonly seen in mid-April will drive good quality snowfall for areas of the Washington Cascades. A deep warm system will hit the Tetons this weekend. The Rockies turn on the small hydrants Tuesday/Wednesday with moderate to perhaps heavy snowfall in some isolated locations. Even the Sierra is going to nab 5-10 inches early next week.

FORECAST:

In the search of any single deep dump with cold temps, your only choice may be the Cascades this weekend.  Radar is just filling in for the Washington Cascades.  Temps are still on the warm side (33 degrees at the base of Baker) but will cool as moisture increases and through Saturday night.  The highest totals will be in the northern Cascades with 6-11 inches likely by late Sunday.  The models are showing less for Stevens (4-8), however with westerly winds and colder air a convergence zone is a wildcard especially Sunday morning (Amounts may end up higher). Snow showers continue to add to these amounts into Monday.  The Good:  Decent snow levels and moisture Saturday-Monday.   The Bad:   Daytime snow Saturday combined with light to moderate amounts Saturday night (No single double-digit overnight dump).  Some areas will hit double digits by late Saturday night or early Sunday.  

The Tetons will get deep by Sunday midday!  Significant snowfall will be falling at upper elevations of the ski areas late Saturday to late Sunday night.  Temps start out cool Saturday night quickly warming by early Sunday morning (0900-1100).  Rain/Snow mix may be falling at the base of Targhee with all snow at the summit.  Expect dense snow throughout Sunday and perhaps extending into Monday (Targhee is open on the weekends only).  

Below: Significant snow noted for the Tetons at the highest elevations through Monday.  Moderate snow is possible for southern Montana just above the Wyoming border (Big Sky may be worth a watch). 

\"\"

EXTENDED:

A storm system will approach the northern Rockies Monday night. The Chase may ensure for the Wasatchand Colorado for Tuesday or Wednesday.  Currently, the models disagree on amounts.  The Euro downgraded Utah pushing moisture north towards the Wyoming border for Tuesday morning (light to moderate snow for the Cottonwoods). The GFS has remained steady with moderate to perhaps heavy snow (8-12).  I have moderate confidence that Tuesday morning will bring decent totals to the higher elevations of the Wasatch.  The Good: Decent odds of moderate overnight snow approaching double digits at some point Tuesday.  The Bad: It's a warm system so quality will be a risk in chasing.  Upper elevations will be decent but not epic.  Cooling Tuesday afternoon may bring better quality frosting late in the storm system as moisture decreases. 

Colorado appears to get a wide area of 5-11 inches primarily late Tuesday into Thursday.  The models show continued moisture into Thursday.  Amounts will slowly build up with peaks on Wednesday (Storm ski).  I am not confident in double digits in any 6-12 hour period.  I am somewhat confident in some double digits by Thursday morning (Sum totals from Late Tuesday to early Thursday).  I am most bullish for the northern and western regions of Colorado.  Eagle County may outperform Summit (Vail or Beaver Creek).  Models are also showing significant snow for the peak of Mount Werner (Steamboat closes April 14th).  There may also be higher amounts at Telluride (Closed).  The Good:Decent moisture over 2-3 days.  The Bad:  Warm system for most of the highest precipitation before cooling late Wednesday or Thursday.  Not sure any deep amounts will happen in a 6-12 hour window.  Late Wednesday or early Thursday may be your best chases? 

The Sierrais back on the spotlight for some decent quality Monday night into Tuesday.  5-10 inches are likely for storm totals.  The Euro brings most snow in late Monday to Tuesday while the GFS is faster with storm totals split between Monday/Monday night.  Snow levels are likley going to be around 6500 feet. 

Below: Total snowfall through Tuesday morning for the Sierra 

\"\"

High Pressure and warm temps ensue for the latter part of next week.  Enjoy the powder while you can. 

Below: Long term ensembles showing high pressure for the west late next week.  

\"\"

 

ANNOUNCEMENT   

Any concierge sign ups now for mid leval or greater get full benefits for all of next season!  Thats a good deal if chase and want custom forecasts.   You will have access to our forecasters for custom trip planning for powder.  Never miss a deep powder day!  

https://powderchasers.com/concierge

Also: check out this new product that will allow you to take your boots off in the snow outside your car and keep feet dry.  I would also use this for mountain biking in the summer.    skimatsllc.com

 

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