Our Gold Sponsors

SUMMARY:

It's beginning to feel more like a post from February versus mid-April. Several systems are going to impact the West this week beginning with SW winds, warm temps, very high elevation snow (Tetons). By Tuesday PM, NW winds push a cold front through the intermountain west crashing snow levels to all Valley locations. Significant snow will be falling from southern Montana to the Wasatch. Colorado earns the leftovers Wednesday with another system on tap for the Front Range late week

FORECAST:

Very warm temperatures early this week will keep snowfall above 8-9,000 feet for most ski areas through Tuesday.  The Tetons are just at Freezing at the summit of JHMR currently (Closed).  A solid push of moisture slams into the Tetons later Monday into Tuesday with 5-11 inches of dense snow expected above 8,000 feet (Through midday Tuesday). Temps cool slightly into Tuesday and even more so by late in the day with heavy precipitation falling during the day.  Grand Targhee is open midweek currently so might be reporting deep numbers by the close of lifts Tuesday (Lower at the base area but cool enough to see snow perhaps from just above or at the base elevations).  Temps crash to the Valley floor Tuesday night with another 4-8 inches likely for better quality pow for Wednesday morning. Aim for midday chairs Tuesday (Higher elevations) at Targhee and 1st chairs for Wednesday. 

Montana will benefit primarily Tuesday PM to Wednesday AM.  In looking at models, the most likely players for deep snow will fall from Red Lodge Mountain (Initially likes NE winds Tuesday before NW flow pushes moisture further west) to the Gallatin and Madison ranges.  Bridger and Big Sky should all be reporting double digits at some point from late Tuesday to early Wednesday.  Even the Montana Snowbowl is showing decent snowfall from this storm outside of Missoula (Closed until Friday). 

The Wasatch sits in a dry and warm slot today with some moisture showing up on models for Tuesday afternoon.  Warm SW flow will keep any snowfall confined to the upper peaks above 8500 feet.  A powerful cold front slams into the Wasatch Tuesday night switching winds to the NW. That will bring snow to the Salt Lake Valley by Wednesday morning.  Expect 6-10 inches on the snow reports by 8 AM Wednesday for both Big and Little Cottonwood.  Snowbasin should see 4-8 inches during the same period (Generally prefers SW wind direction).  Some isolated higher amounts are possible in Little Cottonwood.  Snow will continue with unstable NW flow on Wednesday.  Another 5-10 inches is possible during this period.  Caveats:  Lake Effect snow is possible with the Great Salt lake kicking in Wednesday.  Due to very warm temps preceding this storm and a rapid decrease Tuesday PM, it's possible that drier density pow still allows you to sink to those warm or frozen layers below? That may be gone by late Wednesday and early Thursday. 

Below: The University of Utah SREF Plumes showing an average of 25 inches through late Thursday for Alta Ski Area

\"\"

Snow continues Wednesday night in the Wasatch with an unstable NW flow. Expect another 3-6 inches of snow for Thursday morning favoring the Cottonwoods.  If the lake kicks in, amounts could be higher.

Below: Total snowfall through Wednesday night for southern Montana, Tetons, and the southern Wasatch range.  Additional snow is possible into Thursday, especially in Utah. 

\"\" 

For Colorado, leftovers are aimed at most of the central and northern mountains.  NW winds should do well for many areas primarily Wednesday and Thursday.  The models are only showing 5-10 inches through the period.  Cold temperatures and orographics may enhance these totals.  Favored locations for this pattern are Vail, Breckenridge, Snowmass, and possibly Copper.  Aim to ride Wednesday (Snowing) and again Thursday morning. NW winds will also push decent snow into the northern San Juan Mountains.  The extended forecast brings some interesting prospects for Colorado.  

Below:  University of Utah SREF plumes showing an average of 10 inches for Vail Pass by early Thursday morning (Combined Wednesday and Thursday snowfall). 

\"\"

EXTENDED

Another system pushes into the west mid to late week.  The Pacific Northwest is in scoring position for 7-10 inches of snowfall Thursday (3500 snow levels).  Unstable air will continue in the NW peaking again in time for the weekend (Warming).  The moisture from the PNW drags over the Wasatch perhaps Friday (Light to moderate amounts) and into Colorado in time for the weekend.  Some models show enhanced precipitation, possibly heavy at times for the eastern areas of I-70 (Summit and Clear Creek Counties).  Moisture will be digging south towards the San Juans at some point Saturday or Sunday (Including New Mexico).  Some decent totals are showing up for the San Juans this weekend that may favor the eastern sections due to wind direction (NE).  More on that in a future post. 

Yet another system slams into the Pacific Northwest next weekend (Initially warm but cooling by Sunday).  That system drags over the Rockies perhaps for late Sunday or Monday. 

Wow!  what an exciting period.  Don't put the boards away just yet!  

ANNOUNCEMENT   

Any concierge sign ups now for mid leval or greater get full benefits for all of next season!  Thats a good deal if chase and want custom forecasts.   You will have access to our forecasters for custom trip planning for powder.  Never miss a deep powder day!  

https://powderchasers.com/concierge

 

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

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 ...
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 hybrid backcountry ski tour options in the Idaho Selkirks. Selkirk Powder has been guiding backcountry skiers in the Selkirks for over 21 years and is also an AIARE avalanche education provider. Selkirk Powder operates out of Priest River, Idaho with a snowcat to help assist skiers and riders approach 6,250 acres of new permit area.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.

ZOLEO

ZOLEO

Meet ZOLEO, the affordable accessory that extends your smartphone messaging coverage to everywhere on Earth and provides a safety system you can count on. Ruggedly designed, location-aware and Iridium-based, the ZOLEO satellite communicator device will keep you connected and secure when venturing beyond cell coverage.

POWDERCHASERS POWDER CONCIERGE

View all