Our Gold Sponsors

Powder Alert: California Storm This Week... Utah, Colorado, NM In For a Treat Next Weekend

After a quiet week for the West, precipitation will return on Monday morning, impacting California through Wednesday evening. Another system is shaping up to move into southern California, southern Utah, New Mexico, and southern Colorado starting on Thursday through next weekend.

The California storm is beginning to come into focus, although totals still remain fairly uncertain with lots of time for the forecast to change. Check Powderchasers again later this weekend and early next week for updated forecasts as the models begin to figure out what will happen with this system. Precipitation will begin on Monday morning for Tahoe/Mammoth. Snow levels with this system will start high and progressively drop throughout the storm. Snow levels should start at around 8,500 feet. This storm will bring fairly significant rain to lower resort elevations. Unfortunately, the models have been trending warmer over the past couple of days. Just check out the lower-atmospheric temperature anomalies with the start of this storm on Monday morning:

Precipitation will continue to intensify on Monday and Tuesday. Snow levels should be hanging around 7,500-8,000 feet in Tahoe and Mammoth for most of this storm. This one is coming in warm and wet.

Wednesday should be the best day to chase in the Sierra, with decent snowfall from Tuesday and Tuesday night as well as what’s looking like another few inches throughout the day on Wednesday. Wednesday night should bring a few more inches to the Tahoe basin and more at Mammoth. For a multi-day chase, Mammoth is looking like the right move with the most snow on Wednesday and picking up extra on Wednesday night, making Thursday another potentially nice day. Mammoth’s higher elevation will help with the warm temperatures and should make for lower-density, lighter powder.

Check out this GIF from the European model showing significant rain, especially further north in Tahoe. Keep in mind that this model is too low-resolution to resolve snowfall on some of the higher terrain:

Again, there’s a ton of time for these numbers to change, but this will give a rough idea of what we’re looking at with this system. Totals will vary drastically with elevation. The western Tahoe basin will see mostly rain at mid-mountains until Monday night. When it’s all said and done, elevations above 8,000 feet should see 4-8” at Palisades, Kirkwood, and Sugar Bowl. Between 7,000 and 8,000 feet should see between a few inches and up to 6” (it all depends on how quickly the cold air is brought in, which the models are struggling with at the moment). Central Tahoe resorts are lower elevation, meaning their mid-mountains will switch over to snow later, likely during the day on Tuesday. This storm will likely only bring a few inches of wet snow with slightly more at the summits. I think resorts in the eastern Tahoe basin (Mt. Rose, Heavenly) could do pretty well with this storm due to their higher elevation, switching to snow earlier and seeing higher snow-to-liquid ratios (better snow). 4-8” at mid-mountains with potential for more (as much as 12+ at the summits). Mammoth should see little-to-no rain at mid-mountain and should see 10-15” of decent-quality snow.

It's worth noting that considering how this system has been trending (warmer and drier), this is not looking like an amazing chase. Be prepared for low to mid elevation rain and wet snow where temperatures allow for snow.

Another system looks like it will move in just as the first one is wrapping up, although this storm will take a much more southerly storm track, moving into southern California on Thursday/Friday and sweeping into southern UT, NM, and southern CO into the weekend. Arizona could also pick up some good snowfall up high. It’s still too far out to pin down specific totals, but look for potential chases in these regions next weekend… we are not expecting a major system, but 10+ inches is not out of the question for resorts in these regions.

Check out the European model throwing this system into the southwest. Still lots of uncertainty, but we will keep you updated:

Please join our powder concierge program to support powderchasers. This program provides 1:1 forecasting, chase locations, and custom trip planning to get you in the deepest snow with each storm. You can also donate on our website or purchase some swag to support us. This keeps the free forecasts going. Any Donations of $50 or more get you free swag (Shirts and stickers). Please support our Pow Cast. 

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 professional weather team to boost your next powder chases. From 2 to 14 chases, pick the powder concierge package that satisfies your powder needs!

  • Minute-to-minute snow + weather data
  • Tips + hacks on how to score first chair + stage + eat
  • Direct access to our Powderchasers team
  • 50% off 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 230 uncrowded, authentic destinations across the globe that offer you two ski days at each destination. 24/25 pass now on sale in limited quantities!

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 Company

Selkirk Powder Company

After 21 seasons, Selkirk Powder needed to seek out a new operating base, so, along with the Idaho Department of Lands, they created a new 6,250 acre commercial area for backcountry skiing next to their former Schweitzer operation. It’s bigger, taller, steeper: it's called Atlasta–Casey. Join them beginning in January 2025! 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.

The IKON Pass

The IKON Pass

Seek endless adventure on the open road. With destinations coast to coast, make the most out of winter with an Ikon Pass.

POWDERCHASERS POWDER CONCIERGE

View all
Save 15%
The Double Chair Concierge plus free swagThe Double Chair Concierge plus free swag
Powderchasers The Double Chair Concierge plus free swag
Sale price$211.00 Regular price$249.00
Save 25%
The Gondola Club Concierge packageThe Gondola Club Concierge package
Powderchasers The Gondola Club Concierge package
Sale price$525.00 Regular price$699.00