Forecast from yesterday is still on track for heavy snowfall for the majority of the BC Coast favoring northern Vancouver Island (Mount Washington) and the northern coastal interior including Whistler. Upper elevation snow will be falling over the next several days that should add up to 20-28 inches plus by Friday at upper elevations. The interior of BC will grab a steady stream of light to moderate snow nearly every day this week adding up slowly with no single deep event. While no single deep event may ensue the sum totals from Tuesday to Saturday appear to be in the 2-foot range. Temps are cooler in the interior so quality may be decent. If you score terrain openings, you will be rewarded highly.
The Cascades are on track for peak snowfall happening on Thursday-Friday. The Euro is slightly slower favoring the northern and central Cascades Thursday PM, where the GFS shifts higher moisture south over Oregon and the southern WA Cascades faster (Thursday morning). Regardless of the differences, I have very high confidence for 2-3 feet of medium to heavy powder by late Friday night. The Good: Deep dumps in the PNW with great base building. The Bad: The PNW is just starting out so you might want to let the base build before venturing out, or consider a future chase. Snow levels start out cool (3500-4,000 feet) and gradually rise through Friday morning (4500-5,000) before lowering again Friday. Temps may rise again Friday night. Decent amounts of snow are likely at most elevations of the Cascades with the 2-3 feet found above 5,000 feet by Saturday morning. I am most bullish for the WA Cascades per the Euro, however, the GFS shows Mount Bachelor getting nailed. The northern Panhandle of Idaho (Schweitzer) should do well late in the week, primarily Friday with moderate to heavy snow (Temps may fluctuate snow levels from the base area to slightly above). Some snow may continue into Saturday. The PNW is coming back from the dead!
Below: Total snowfall for the PNW through Friday evening.
In the Rockies in looking for a chase, you may be more limited. It appears that your best bet will be western Idaho for Friday with snow falling over Brundage and Tamarack adding up nicely during the day. Sun Valley is on the southern edge of moisture so will see lighter amounts. Other spots to watch are Whitefish in northern Montana late this week however temps will be on the warm side.
Below: Western Idaho will score some moderate powder Friday/Saturday. The northern Panhandle also grabs respectable amounts extending into Northwest Montana (Whitefish).
The extended forecast shows a possible decent storm for the Sierra for Sunday per the American GFS model. The Euro is not onboard (Discrepenency). It's on our radar.
Bottom Line: Tricky week to chase.
Powderchaser Steve
