Call this the shortened holiday version of the forecast. In some ways easier to read, quick and simple, and with the bottom line on who is going to score powder. Let's get on with it.
Announcement:
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Forecast:
As of Saturday morning looking at automated telemetry, Mt Baker has 10 inches overnight with 7-8 inches at Crystal (Good base boost, smooth, cream, rip snow). Snow will continue in the PNW on Saturday favoring the northern mountains of Washington (Additional 5-10 at inches for Baker by 5 PM). Snow is also going to continue for areas just north of Stevens Pass and most of the Oregon range favoring Mt Bachelor. Crystal and even Snoqualmie may see lower amounts during the day Saturday. Conditions are continuing to improve in the Cascades who currently have snowfall numbers near normal for snowpack (YTD).
In the Sierra as forecasted Squaw picked up 8 inches overnight with Sugarbowl at 6 inches. We suspect that higher totals will come from Mount Shasta later Saturday morning.
Let's move on to what is going to happen in the next 2-3 days. Snow will be falling Saturday in the Tetons Saturday with 3-6 inches by 5 PM. Another 3-6 inches will fall Saturday night (Totals in the 6-15 inch range by Sunday morning). The Good: Cold Temps. The Bad: Split day and PM snow however we might get lucky and see some higher totals by Sunday morning. Utah will be grazed with the highest totals near Beaver Mountain in the far north near Logan for Sunday morning (2-5). The northern Wasatch may come up with similar amounts above 8,000 feet. In Colorado, light snow will be falling Sunday favoring the northern mountains initially near Steamboat, perhaps Vail Pass or west and eventually working south to Telluride Expect a light refresh only with a maximum of 2-5 inches.
The next storm to impact the west will bring a better round of snow to the central or southern Sierra Monday. This will move over the 4 corners late Monday night and Tuesday bringing some snow to Arizona, with moderate amounts into southern Utah and even the Wasatch Range. Heavy snow is likely for southern Colorado by Tuesday with a foot plus for Wolf Creek, Purg, Telluride, and Silverton. Moderate amounts or more are possible for Aspen and Crested Butte depending on far this trough pushes north. Winds shift from the SW to the West-Northwest with colder air behind the front. When this happens, the central and northern Mountains will be getting snowfall on Tuesday and Wednesday. Look for some decent amounts to accumulate along the I-70 Corridor during this period. By Wednesday morning, we may be looking at some hefty totals for the southern mountains and decent amounts elsewhere in Colorado (Ride Tuesday and Wednesday). For New Mexico, we are looking for a moderate event for Taos late Tuesday to Wednesday. You could chase from the Tetons, Utah, and Colorado to New Mexico in the next 4 days.
Below: Total snowfall for the West through Tuesday afternoon (Tetons favored initially, PNW continuing to get snowfall Saturday, while the southern Sierra, and the 4 corners grab deep snow early next week).
Please remember to use snow tires if you are chasing powder and want first chair. We have partnered with Tire Rack for some package deals that we endorse and suggest you check out.
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Enjoy the Powder everyone! We are out the door chasing pow somewhere.
Powderchaser Steve
