SUMMARY
A path of moisture extends from the Tahoe Basin through most of Idaho and Wyoming with SW winds pushing copious amounts of snowfall to the many areas. This trajectory has not budged, nor will it for the next 2-3 days. Significant snowfall (Feet upon Feet) will fall above 7,000 feet in Tahoe (Complete burial up high) and a steady clip of moderate snow continues for most of Idaho and Wyoming. Unfortunately, temps are warm in most areas and winds are ramping up this morning playing high AVY cards and reduced quality in exposed terrain.
FORECAST
It's 5 AM and still snowing heavily in the Tetons, Tahoe, and certain areas of Idaho. Arctic air and good quality snow fell last night in central Montana including the Montana Snowbowl (Automated telemetry nearby shows 6-8 inches overnight but I am not sure). We may get some surprises from resorts near or south of Missoula.
All areas south of central Montana are stuck in a warm zone where the snow levels are around 5,000 feet near Sun Valley, and 6,000 feet in the Tetons. Snow is falling in many areas with automated telemetry showing another 10 inches overnight mid-mountain at JHMR and Targhee. Sun Valley seems to have come up a bit short with only 5-6 inches overnight on their webcam, however, that sometimes under reports due to winds. Squaw telemetry shows 20 inches since 4 PM and still dumping. Temps are warm at 29 degrees at 8000 feet. The base of Squaw shows 32 degrees and 11 inches overnight. I am not sure I would get near Tahoe right now but if lifts spin terrain above 7,000 feet could be decent if you're looking for surf snow.
Bottom Line: Montana (Central or northern) will offer the best quality snow if you're looking for dryness (overnight snow- most resorts are not reporting yet). The Idaho resorts will all continue to pick up medium to heavy density (Or wind impacted) snow for the next 2-3 days (Break on Thursday). Its likely that most central resorts including Brundage pick up another 8-12 inches in the next 48 hours. Winds are cranking this morning and hopefully subside by late day. In the Tetons, significant snow will continue to fall every 24 hours. Very strong winds (Gusts this morning are in the '60s) this morning should subside somewhat late AM today. Another 2 feet of pretty dense snow (Lighter above 8500), is likely through Thursday. Any breaks will be short lived.
Below: General path of moisture this week that's been consistent
EXTENDED FORECAST
Colder air finally works into the Tetonson Thursday changing densities back to good quality by mid to late day. Snow showers continue overnight albeit light bringing a good chance of blower frosting for Friday morning.
The Wasatchgets into the action after being shut out all week late Thursday and Friday. Snow will be falling with a cold front in many areas. It's a quick moving front that may land some double digits in terrain favored by W or NW flow. Its too early for me to predict amounts, with a good chance of decent powder days Thursday late AM and Friday morning.
The system in the Wasatch drags moderate snow to Coloradoon Friday. The central and northern Mountains are favored.
Another system moves into the Wasatch and Colorado on Sunday. Currently, some models are pointing to a decent snow event especially for Colorado that might continue into Monday or Tuesday.
Enjoy the powder everyone
Powderchaser Steve
