Our Gold Sponsors

SUMMARY:

Its an exciting morning with New England resorts reporting over 20 inches in northern Vermont (Stowe) and much less to the east towards NH and Maine. Significant snow is likely for the Sierra next week in a 3-4 storm punch with each one successively a bit stronger. Decent snow will also be falling in the northern Rockies especially Wednesday-Friday. The Front Range of Denver or areas south into New Mexico may get slammed by the end of next week.

FORECAST

Temperatures, as forecasted, hovered near the freezing mark in some areas of New England bringing a very widespread to snowfall totals this morning. Northern Vermont was our favored location (Cooler temps) where up to 20 plus inches has fallen as of 5 AM MST. Areas south and east had less.  Sugarloaf reaped 12 inches (We highlighted them on a previous post) while Sunday River reported 6 (None last night).  Snow showers are continuing this morning per radar with a decreasing trend by 11 AM (VT).  Expect another 2-3 inches in northern Vermont.  Snow quality is on the dense side and winds are keeping some upper lifts closed. 

Snow is continuing in the Sierra this morning with 6 inches at Sugarbowl and per telemetry 3 inches at 8,000 feet at Squaw.  Kirkwood is reporting 3 inches overnight. Radar is still cranking over Truckee so expect some additional light snow this morning.  Another burst of snow is likely for Sunday night to Monday (Moderate) before significant snow slams into the Sierra Tuesday night-Thursday in the extended forecast. Currently, if you are chasing pow stay on the western side of the lake and head north. 

Meanwhile, if you're chasing powder in the Rockies, weakening moisture will reach the Wasatch late Saturday into Sunday.  Models have downtrended slightly (3-6) through Sunday morning with some additional light snow during the AM daylight hours.  However, the NAM is more bullish so it's possible that 6-9 inches fall by 11 AM Sunday.  Let's sum it up with an unlikely overnight double-digit dump but it's possible that areas in northern Utah reap some decent rewards by mid-morning Sunday. I am keeping my expectations low with a hopeful surprise by lift openings.  The highest amounts on my forecast will be for the Cottonwoods with less further north or east. Temps will be cooling so quality will be better than what has fallen in the past few days.  Light snow will be falling in the Tetons however heavier snow is in the forecast for mid to late week. 

For Colorado, weakening residual moisture with a good westerly flow (Decent direction for many mountains) will tease most areas along I-70 during Sunday. Models are ho-hum (2-4) for the most part except its possible that Steamboat reaps higher amounts.  I would not be surprised for some areas in Colorado to sneak out more but It's not a system I would chase from afar. Monitor the webcams early Sunday and storm ski the teaser.  

EXTENDED: 

This gets exciting!  

The most significant amount of snow next week will fall in the Sierra. The highest intensity will be from Tuesday night to Thursday mid-morning.  It's possible that the peak happens from late Tuesday to late Wednesday with moderate snow continuing into Thursday.  Storm skiing will be a good choice for Wednesday. However, winds will be strong at times with some lift closures likely at upper elevations. It's possible that the peaks in the winds have decreasing periods with perhaps AM openings and PM closings. I am not confident that things will be buttoned up for the entire period.  Thursday offers less wind and new openings with perhaps less overnight snow (Still good).  Temps start out on the warm side (6500-7,000 foot snow levels) and finish on the cold side (4500 snow levels by Wednesday or Thursday).  It's a solid storm cycle.  

Below:Solid amounts of snow through Thursday for the Sierra favoring the northern regions (High confidence). 

\"\"

The Rockies have several chase points. Tuesday-Wednesday sees the Sierra moisture stream northeast into Idaho.  It's possible that Sun Valley or even Brundage score during this period (Slightly on the warm side but cooling by Wednesday).  The Tetons also appear to reap rewards with SW winds and moisture aimed at the Cowboy State Wednesday.  Southern Montana near Big Sky is also on my wildcard list. Winds move from a southerly, SW direction to more westerly by late Wednesday or Thursday. The Wasatch is favored later Wednesday into Thursday.   Late next week, the models depict a northerly flow and colder air moving down from Montana. This will bring an uptick of snow for the Bridger and Big Sky.  Wyoming may continue to see some additional snowfall.  Colorado and New Mexico may grab deep rewards towards the Friday/Saturday timeframe. Currently, the signature looks to be more of an upslope event.  Models are pumping out significant snow for the Front Range near Denver, Clear Creek, Summit County, and perhaps even Eagle.

Below: Total snowfall through Saturday afternoon for Colorado late next week (Low confidence being 7 days out). 

\"\"

Moisture in New Mexico will be deepening next weekend possibly favoring resorts near Santa Fe or Albuquerque  It's too early to predict with confidence!  I can feel the excitement brewing. 

Below:Total snowfall for the Tetons through Friday morning. Peak snowfall may happen Wednesday or Thursday (moderate confidence). 

\"\"

Chases? I like the prospects of the Sierra at some point next week (Need to watch the winds).  I like the odds of Sun Valley perhaps midweek or the Tetons.  Liking the Wasatch in the Thursday timeframe and the Front Range of Colorado lateweek or the weekend. New Mexico is a solid contender for Saturday or Sunday as a wildcard (Upslope may favor areas east of the Ski areas). 

Promo:  Get a discount on a Sno Shark (our #1 pick for getting snow off your car fast) with this promo link from Powderchasers.  

https://snoshark.com/?fbclid=IwAR0o-Kvc-UiTUPPWA6RoxFdfJLCesnKrFD4gMboiuAicPv0SqSi2rPXyVtY

If you sign up for the Concierge program now, you will recieve benefits for the remainder of this season plus all of next season!  

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