Before we update you on the storm, we wanted to once again remind you of the change in rates for the Powder Concierge, which increases on October 15th . The Powder Concierge is a service we offer that provides custom forecasts to help YOU ensure the deepest possible powder days. With everything going on with COVID 19, from reservations to travel restrictions to the fact that we all may ski and ride less days this season; getting the best conditions when we DO ski/ride is more important than ever. To sign up before the rate increase or to learn more about the Powder Concierge, click here.
Unfortunately, since the last post, the forecast models have trended in a bad direction. The bottom line is that several days ago, while some of the model data showed the storm taking a more northerly track, it was only a less likely possibility. Sadly, the models have converged to this less likely possibility. While significant snow is still going to fall in many areas across the West, including Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming, less will fall in Utah, Colorado, and California. In the graphic below, use the slider to see how the models have shifted the storm northward. Bummer. Below is the upper level pattern for this storm, which shows the general storm locations. The upper image is what one model was showing for the storm track on October 5th. The lower image shows the storm track now.
(Image courtesy of Tropical Tidbit)
The result of this northerly shift is, not surprisingly, that the storm will focus more on the northwestern parts of the US and also southwestern Canada. Here is an updated snowfall map from the American model.
(Image courtesy of Weatherbell)
With the northward shift of the storm, locations like California, Utah, and Colorado lose out. There no longer appears to be much as fas as beneficial rain for California. While Utah and Colorado will still see some minor accumulations, the Tetons, Bitterroots, and much of Idaho, Washington, Montana, and British Columbia will see the most significant accumulations, with double digits possible at the higher elevations in all of those regions. The storm will start in WA/BC tonight and continue through Wednesday with a possible second wave of light snow.
Let's finish up with a couple quick announcements. We'd like to mention our new partner Selkirk Powder Guides again. They provide cat skiing, AIARE courses, and more. With license and permits covering over 200,000 acres of the rugged and beautiful Selkirk Mountain range, they offer expansive terrain and conveniently operate out of Schweitzer in Sandpoint, Idaho. They are now taking reservations for the 2020/2021 season.
Also, the price of the Ikon pass will go up on October 14th, so make sure to lock in the lowest rate before then right here.
Enjoy the October snow.
Powderchaser Luke
