Just when we pushed winter 20/21 aside, it is going to roar back with a vengeance this week, especially in central Montana where up to 12-20 inches are likely in the central portions of the State. Snow is currently falling in the higher peaks of the Cascades of Washington and Oregon as of Thursday morning. The Sierra will see light snow Thursday night with temps dropping low enough for some white to return to lake level, however primarily on the grassy surfaces or highest mountain passes. A winter advisory has been issued for the northern Lake Tahoe area. The highest snow totals will come over Montana and even the lower elevations primarily Thursday to Friday. Low pressure over the PNW, and BC will bring snow to some regions of Canada before settling over the Rockies by Wednesday night. The possibility of heavy snow totals may result from a stalled low pressure system over the Nevada/Utah border pumping moisture into Montana spreading south albeit lighter amounts towards Yellowstone. Even the Tetons might grab some light snow at upper elevations from this storm late this week into Monday (Highest peaks only).
Below: Stevens Pass Ski area Thursday morning.
Below: Lost Trail Pass- Idaho Thursday morning
Below: Deep Low Pressure Trough swinging down from the PNW primarily pushing moisture into the northern Rockies to as far south as the Sierra (Light snow and cooler temps above 9500) late this week. The highest impacts from this storm will be in Montana.
Below: The most bullish model once again being the American GFS showing pretty hefty snow totals for Montana Wednesday-Friday. The highest impacts will come over the central mountains including Lewis and Clark Counties late Wednesday to Friday. Snow will also be falling over the eastern regions of Glacier National Park as well as south towards Yellowstone albeit lighter amounts. Ski areas located over central Montana such as Teton Pass, Great Divide, and Showdown would all be ones to watch (All closed) for some fresh snowfall. 12-20 inches are possible along the eastern side of the Divide especially close to Teton Pass Ski area in Montana.
Below: Looking out through Monday some models show significant snow dropping south into the higher elevations of the Tetons and even southern Montana late this weekend. Others continue to focus snow over north central Montana. High confidence for significant snow to continue in the north central regions, with some minor confidence of moderate snow over Big Sky, Yellowstone and the Tetons (Highest peaks). Its unlikely we will see lowland snowfall in these areas.
Below: Looking at temps for Montana they will be below freezing as low as 4800 feet later this week.
Below: The National Weather Service Forecast Homepage looks a bit more like Winter versus late May.
Below: The Sierra sees widespread light snow Thursday night into Friday morning above 6500 feet.
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Powderchaser Steve @powderchasersteve via instagram @powderchasers
