Our Gold Sponsors

SNORKEL ALERT: Cutoff Low Chaos in the West This Week

A sequence of storm systems is set to bring substantial snowfall across the Western United States this week, impacting regions from the Pacific Northwest to Colorado. While current models show some discrepancies—particularly concerning the extended forecast—significant accumulations are anticipated in several mountainous areas. 

Current Conditions- Snorkel Alert!

Snow is currently underway across Colorado as the first storm system wraps up its passage through the region. The headlines are significant snow fell overnight in Colorado, Sunday into Monday morning (November 4) that brought up to 20 inches to a few resorts in Summit County

Below: Overnight pow at Breckenridge Monday morning November 4th. 

Below: Buried snow cam at Copper (Likely 20 inches). 


Upcoming Storm System

A second storm is moving into the Pacific Northwest this morning and is poised to impact several regions over the next few days.

Pacific Northwest (Monday AM through Tuesday Early Afternoon)

The storm will affect the Pacific Northwest from this morning through early Tuesday afternoon. Moderate snowfall is anticipated during this period.

Northern Rockies (Monday Afternoon through Early Wednesday Morning)

The system is expected to swing north into Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming from Monday afternoon through early Wednesday morning. Snowfall accumulations are projected to be 3–6 inches for most areas, with up to 10 inches in the highest peaks of the backcountry.

Utah (Tuesday Morning Onward)

The storm will tease Utah on Tuesday morning (Southern Fringe)  Resorts can expect light  snowfall, with accumulations ranging from 2–4 inches Below is the short term NAM 12 for Utah through Tuesday morning. Amounts might sneak up slightly in the Cottonwoods but our confidence on a deeper storm are low. 

 


Colorado Cutoff Low (Late Tuesday Morning through Saturday Afternoon)

In Colorado, the storm will evolve into a cutoff low that will linger over the region, producing snowfall from late Tuesday morning through Saturday afternoon. The cutoff low positioning to the south of Colorado will result in winds coming from the southeast, NE and North. This puts a bit more uncertainty on who scores the highest totals. 

Snowfall Accumulations

  • Models and Uncertainty

    • The ECMWF is suggesting widespread snowfall totals of 10–25 inches across the Colorado mountains.
    • The GFS remains more conservative, indicating totals of 6–15 inches.
    • Models have not yet reached a consensus and are displaying significant variability. Further updates will be provided on Tuesday or Wednesday morning as new data becomes available.
    • Below is the comparison between the ECMWF and GFS forecasts. The GFS is less optimistic for midweek and further east. 
  • Impact on Denver and Eastern Plains

    • The east-southeasterly winds could bring substantial snowfall to Denver and the eastern plains (Southern areas favored).
    • Major accumulations are possible, particularly in the southeastern mountains, but significant snowfall is anticipated across the eastern side of the mountains. Model uncertainty exists. 

Projected Snowfall Totals

Please note that these figures are subject to change as forecast models are updated.

Intermountain West (By Tuesday November 5)

  • Schweitzer: 5–10 inches
  • Big Sky: 8–14 inches
  • Jackson Hole: 6–10 inches
  • Grand Targhee: 10–15 inches

Utah

  • Cottonwood Canyon Resorts: 2-4 inches
  • Park City/Deer Valley: 1-3 inches
  • Powder Mountain: 2–4inches

Colorado and NM (by Sunday November 10)- Midweek storm 

  • Steamboat: 7–14 inches
  • Winter Park: 9–15 inches
  • Arapahoe Basin/Loveland: 9–15 inches
  • Breckenridge/Copper: 8–15 inches
  • Vail/Beaver Creek: 5–10 inches
  • Aspen/Snowmass: 8–16 inches
  • Crested Butte: 6–12 inches
  • Monarch: 14–22 inches
  • Telluride/Silverton: 12–20 inches
  • Wolf Creek: 20–30 inches
  • Taos: 15-20 inches
  • Ski Santa Fe: 20-24 inches 

Please support Powderchasers with a donationMerch purchase, or sign up for our custom Concierge Powder Forecast Package where we provide 1:1 phone and email support to keep you in the deepest locations possible. Outside Magazine listed Powderchasers as in the top 3 sites with the custom concierge program. This supports us and keeps you chasing the deepest snow all winter. 


Extended Outlook

Pacific Northwest Storm (Friday Evening through Sunday Morning)

Another storm system is expected to arrive in the Pacific Northwest on Friday evening. Forecast models diverge on its impact:

  • GFS: Predicts the storm will dissipate quickly, resulting in minimal effects.
  • ECMWF: Indicates a more significant system lasting through Sunday morning, coming in with warmer temperatures. Snow levels are projected between 5,000 and 7,000 feet, which could lead to rain at resort elevations if the storm materializes. Check out the warm and wet ECMWF forecast for Sunday below. That's a lot of rain...

Late Weekend Storm (Sunday Evening/Night)

Models show agreement on a subsequent storm arriving Sunday evening:

  • ECMWF: Portrays this as a typical La Niña system that will impact the Pacific Northwest before moving into Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, with a brief impact on northern Utah.
  • GFS: Suggests the storm will deepen and shift south into California, potentially bringing significant snowfall to California, Utah, and Colorado if this scenario unfolds. Check out the GFS lighting up California early next week:
Please support Powderchasers with a donationMerch purchase, or sign up for our custom Concierge Powder Forecast Package where we provide 1:1 phone and email support to keep you in the deepest locations possible. Outside Magazine listed Powderchasers as in the top 3 sites with the custom concierge program. This supports us and keeps you chasing the deepest snow all winter. 

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 professional weather team to boost your next powder chases. From 2 to 14 chases, pick the powder concierge package that satisfies your powder needs!

  • Minute-to-minute snow + weather data
  • Tips + hacks on how to score first chair + stage + eat
  • Direct access to our Powderchasers team
  • 50% off 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 ...
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 230 uncrowded, authentic destinations across the globe that offer you two ski days at each destination. 24/25 pass now on sale in limited quantities!

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 Company

Selkirk Powder Company

After 21 seasons, Selkirk Powder needed to seek out a new operating base, so, along with the Idaho Department of Lands, they created a new 6,250 acre commercial area for backcountry skiing next to their former Schweitzer operation. It’s bigger, taller, steeper: it's called Atlasta–Casey. Join them beginning in January 2025! Email Selkirk if you have questions and remember to follow them on Instagram
The Mountain Collective

The Mountain Collective

The Mountain Collective™ boasts 25 dream ski destinations across the globe.


The pass includes two days of skiing or riding with no blackout dates at each of the 25 partners (50 total days), 50 percent discount on all additional days.

The IKON Pass

The IKON Pass

Seek endless adventure on the open road. With destinations coast to coast, make the most out of winter with an Ikon Pass.

POWDERCHASERS POWDER CONCIERGE

View all
Save 15%
The Double Chair Concierge plus free swagThe Double Chair Concierge plus free swag
Powderchasers The Double Chair Concierge plus free swag
Sale price$211.00 Regular price$249.00
Save 25%
The Gondola Club Concierge packageThe Gondola Club Concierge package
Powderchasers The Gondola Club Concierge package
Sale price$525.00 Regular price$699.00