Our Gold Sponsors

SUMMARY:

Significant snow fell as forecasted in New England (12-20 inches as of 2 PM). Warm temps kept amounts on the low side in the Saw Tooths of Idaho and Brundage (3-6 inches). Warm temps had me chasing to the Tetons where both Targhee and JHMR scored 8 inches of surf pow with some notable frosting for face shots in the wind protected areas. If you're out west the Sierra will grab the highest amounts from right now through MLK morning (12-16 inches). It might not be your best chase due to warm temps initially but Monday could deliver some epic runs (Colder light or moderate pow on frosting the cream). I am liking central Montana, Wasatch, Tetons the best in the next 36 hours.


Today!  I scored some good hero snow at Grand Targhee this morning (Bottomless cushion snow with some lighter density in wind sheltered locations).  Who owns this car?  Love the plate and you scored powder today. 

\"\"

Snow is falling in the Sierra with rain or mixed precipitation below 6,000 feet.  Heavy cream (That can be fun if you're on steep terrain) will continue tonight with a sharp decrease in the snow levels by Monday.  Most of the precip will be ending 3-4 hours after the cold front with another 3-7 inches post-frontal snowfall.  That means Monday morning can deliver a really good opportunity to ride cream buff layered with 4-7 inches of medium density pow. I would consider chasing there if it were not a holiday weekend. 

The highlights in the next 36 hours aside from the Sierra will be Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Utah, and a Colorado wildcard (Less confidence).  I really like the prospects of Montana Snowbowl near Missoula for 5-10 inches overnight Sunday to Monday morning.  Other \"hot spots\" might be the southern Panhandle near Lookout Pass, Lolo Pass, and Lost Trail Pass. These areas all meet the criteria for an overnight dump.  Whitefish will see moderate snow for Monday morning turns. 

Below: Total snowfall for Idaho/Montana/Wyoming through Monday morning. The Euro is not as bullish for the Tetons so let's hope the optimistGFS wins! 

\"\"

The Tetons and Wasatch are solid contenders.  The big question? Who will win? I am at Targhee currently debating my next move.   The GFS brings 8-14 inches to the Cowboy State by noon Monday.  The Euro has 6-11.  The Tetons will score moderate amounts by the time lifts spin Monday (4-7) with another (4-7) by 11 AM. Higher amounts are possible by the end of the day.  If the Euro is correct amounts may be slightly less. The NAM is also very bullish! The Cowboy State will win in overnight snow (50% overnight)  compared to Utah (20% overnight).  Bonus: Tetons get cold by daybreak so the snow will be \"Right side up\" and lighter than the last dump. 

The Wasatch is going to nab a quick hit of 5-10 inches at most ski areas in both the northern and central mountains during the day Monday.  The Cottonwoods will score deeper amounts with NW winds pumping totals to 11-18 inches by late Monday night.  The chase question:  Is there going to be any overnight snow either Sunday or Monday? The GFS brings moisture into Utah as early as 3 AM where the Euro holds it off till 7-9 AM.  My gut tells me that it will be a storm ski day with only 2-4 inches on most snow reports Monday Morning (Tetons deeper for AM snow). Storm skiing has big advantages! The MLK crowds may disappear by 2 PM.  Your last chair may offer your best run of the day (That's your celebration of MLK).

While Utah may win for amounts in the Cottonwoods, it may come up short of the Tetons elsewhere.  Another idea would be to look at deeper totals north towards Logan (Beaver Mountain) early Monday and chase south for the afternoon (1.5-hour drive to SLC). There are differing models.  Some show heavy snow near Logan and in Pocatello (Pomerelle Ski area) early Monday. Other models vary. Keep on eye on webcams and the early snow reports for these areas. 

With the holiday crowds consider smaller resorts like Beaver, Powder, Pomerelle, and perhaps Snowbasin early Monday (Powder benefits better with the NW wind direction). There is also Whisper Ridge Cat Skiing to consider.  In Wyoming, Targhee would be my pick for the holiday (SorryJHMR). 

In Colorado, moisture will begin Monday PM (noonish) and looks okay for areas in the far west (Grand Mesa, Uinta Range).  Steamboat may be in good position for Tuesday AM powder taking a southerly route to Telluride who does well with NW wind direction.  I would aim for resorts further west with a few resorts to add to a list of contenders (Crested Butte, Snowmass, Monarch).  It's not a mega event!  Perhaps 4-8 in these areas?  Further east look for 3-5 inches favoring the Continental Divide as winds shift to the North late Monday night. Perhaps Winter Park scores some light or moderate freshies with the north winds.  On the last storm, I was accurate on the western resorts such as CB, Purg, and Steamboat,  but completely missed the Front Range dump at Loveland (12 inches on Friday).  The fun of powder is proving any forecaster wrong and waking up to a foot of snow that was never in the mix. 

Finally, in New England snow will continue tonight for western portions of New Hampshire and Maine.  Expect 2-5 inches of additional snow with the exception of higher amounts at Sugarloaf and especially the far NW border with Canada (Significant amounts).

Below: New England blower Chowdah this morning.  Image: Killington Resort via FB. 

\"\"

 

EXTENDED FORECAST 

Midweek powder returns to the west beginning Tuesday in the PNW.  I am liking the odds of some dumps for the northern Panhandle of Idaho (Schweitzer) and most of Montana by Wednesday.  NW winds may crank out some decent snowfall at Bridger Bowl, Big Sky, and the Tetons (Wednesday/Thursday).  This may be a fast mover, with not a ton of moisture, but a good tap of cold air that might land some surprises.  We will have to wait and see how the models start to pan out for the midweek storm. The temps will be colder than this week. 

Below: Focus low pressure is from Alberta through Montana, Wyoming and Colorado midweek. 

\"\"

In the long term, a deep trough might enter the Midwest towards Thursday next week and push significant snowfall into New England for the weekend.  The west will dry out after the midweek period.  There may be a return of moisture for the Rockies towards the end of January.  

Chase on!  

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 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