Our Gold Sponsors

EPIC ALERT!  FEET OF SNOW FOR THE CASCADES, 1-2 FEET FOR THE ROCKIES WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY AS AN ATMOSPHERIC RIVER SETS UP OVER THE WEST.

SUMMARY:  

Significant game-changing snows move into the Northwest bringing several feet of perfect base building powder Thursday-Saturday. An atmospheric river of moisture will keep snow showers going (Waves of energy continue) in the PNW eventually moving over the north/central Rockies Thursday-Sunday. Several moderate to deep events will ensue in the Rockies with the coldest part of the storm not due until Saturday or Sunday. There will be many parts to this storm over the next 3-5 days.

FORECAST POW:

It's going to be a solid week of powder for many areas this week! The most notable highlights are in the Northwest, Western Idaho, Panhandle of Idaho, Tetons, Northern Utah, and eventually, Colorado who catches up slowly late this week with a Grand Finale late Saturday/Sunday. 

Northwest:  Snow starts late Wednesday night and continues into Friday morning.  Initially, with SW winds, the northern Cascades such as Mount Baker will do best especially late Wednesday to Thursday (7-14). Snow levels start out near the bases so amounts at the summits will significantly vary initially before gradual cooling occurs Thursday PM-Saturday.  Winds shift to the west on Thursday/Friday enhancing ongoing snowfall for the entire Cascade Range from Washington to Oregon.  Models are all in agreement for 2-3 feet of medium to heavy density snow (Elevation-dependent) to fall over the entire Cascade Range.  The highest amounts might end up at Mount Baker (Initially favored), followed by Bachelor in Oregon. All ski areas in the northwest including the Panhandle of Idaho will score much-needed deep snow! Cooling temps will bring snow to all base areas by Thursday afternoon. 

Below:  Total snowfall through Saturday in the PNW through Friday evening.  Peak snowfall likely to be late Wednesday night in the northern Cascades followed by all mountain ranges Thursday-Friday. 

\"\"

ROCKIES/SIERRA 

In looking for the best chases in the Rockies or Sierra,  there are several options.  Weak waves of moisture ejecting from the low pressure centered over the PNW will flow into Idaho and Wyoming initially Wednesday/Thursday. Moderate to heavier snow will be falling in Idaho late Wednesday night or early Thursday where light snow is likely in the Tetons initially.  Heavier snow in Idaho on Thursday morning (Storm ski Brundage or Sun Valley), will hit the Tetons mid-Thursday morning with 6-10 inches likely by your last chair in the Cowboy State.  The AM snow reports on Thursday may only show 2-5 inches in Wyoming with higher amounts in western Idaho. Temps will be on the warm side in the Tetons Thursday (32-33F in Jackson) with the highest amounts at the summits initially Thursday. (Much less at the bases- Targhee has elevation advantage at the base).  A cold front crosses the Tetons late Thursday night into Friday with an additional 4-8 inches of good quality snow (colder) for your 1st tracks in the Tetons. There will be a break in the action Friday before another wave of moisture hits for Saturday (Storm ski) in the Tetons.  Total snowfall in the Tetons through Saturday should be in the 12-20 inch range at the summits (Best ride times are late Thursday/Friday and again during the day Saturday). 

Below: Total snowfall for Idaho through Friday morning. Most snow will begin falling in earnest late Wednesday into Thursday in Idaho. 

\"\"

The Sierra gets warm this week but deserves a mention for a cooling trend and likely snowfall (4-10) possible late Friday night into Saturday.  

In Utah, the models are all bullish for significant snowfall for the entire Wasatch Range Thursday PM to Saturday.  Initially, it looks like the northern Wasatch is favored with SW flow so look for deeper amounts from I-80 north late Thursday to perhaps Midnight. (Park City, Deer Valley, Snowbasin, Perhaps Beaver).  Moisture drops further south through the day towards the Cottonwoods that will attempt to catch up on Friday.  Winds shift to the West or Northwest early Friday enhancing snow intensities for much of Utah. Snow intensity might peak in the Wasatch Friday morning. It's possible that the northern Wasatch (Snowbasin Powder, Beaver, Park City) outperforms the south (Cottonwoods). Expect a general range of 8-12 inches for your 1st tracks on Friday with snow continuing during the day. There looks to be a break on Friday night with additional snow likely on Saturday (Moderate amounts). 

Below: Total snowfall through Sunday for the Tetons, Wasatch, and northern Colorado.  Southern Colorado and north/central New Mexico (Tao's wildcard) will be respectable Saturday night into Sunday.  

\"\"

For Colorado light to moderate snow will be falling Thursday night into Friday with a general 5-9 inches for most of the I-70 corridor. The highest amounts might land over the western side of the corridor towards Vail, Beaver Creek or Aspen.  The AM reports Friday may only show 2-4 inches where the PM reports will be higher as it continues to snow moderately throughout the day (5-9 or more by 4 PM).  There is a break on Friday night and early Saturday before a stronger push of cold air and moisture arrives Saturday PM to Sunday AM.  That will favor the Southern Mountains initially (SW Winds). Silverton, Purgatory, Wolf Creek and Telluride are all going to score decent amounts Saturday night!  Winds shift to the NW into Sunday allowing moderate moisture to flow into the I-70 corridor during the day.  I am bullish for an additional 6-10 inches or more to fall in many areas of Colorado for your first tracks Sunday!  While spots south of I-70 may have the highest amounts, all areas of Colorado will see respectable totals to ride POW. 

Chases:  You might be able to score Thursday pow in Idaho or Wyoming, Friday Pow in Utah or Colorado.  On Saturday you can chase from Utah Saturday to Colorado for Sunday.

EXTENDED:

Early next week will most likely see a return of short-lived high pressure. Its likely additional storms start impacting the Pacific Northwest or Sierra by Wednesday or Thursday (December 18/19).  The Euro keeps most of the moisture along the western coasts (Sierra or PNW) while the GFS ensembles show a more zonal flow of moisture streaming east towards the Rockies mid to late next week.  

Below: The optimist - GFS ensembles for low pressure mid to late next week. The East may also get active. 

\"\"

ANNOUNCEMENT:   Check out  SKI RIDE TOURS. who plans trips in advance (Powder trips) with pre designated dates in the US and Canada. You can pre plan a ski vacation and let Ski Ride Tours name the destination just 7-10 days out based on our forecasts. They almost always score deep powder by keeping the destiination open until the last week.  This is perfect for those that need to pre plan dates but want to score deep powder.  Their first powder trip starts on January 8th.  Visit the website for further info on this unique spin on travel. 

Enjoy the Powder everyone!  

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