Our Gold Sponsors

Powder Alert-Snow returns to Colorado and the Pacific Northwest

If you are looking for a custom long range forecast to chase powder, book reservations well in advance, traveling with a Sprinter Van (The new norm) or simply want to score the top deep days of the season, please sign up for our Concierge Program here. We rarely miss a deep day however obviously this season is going to present some challenges. 

Forecast:

There are 2 regions of interest in the next 5 days. A teaser storm will quickly move through the Oregon and Washington Cascades Sunday night/Monday with 2-5 inches of new snow. Another stronger system moves into the Pacific Northwest for Tuesday night-Wednesday. That system should land 7-14 inches for many Ski Areas. This includes the central Panhandle of Idaho with slightly lower amounts in the far north. The Good: Teaser storm Monday with another storm on it's heels for Wednesday. The Bad: Warming temps in between the storms. The storm for Wednesday will be on the warmish side especially in the southern Cascades. The best and deepest snow might happen in the northern Cascades but all ski areas will see decent snowfall. 

This system will also reap some moderate rewards for the higher peaks of BC, near Whistler. 

Colorado Powder Alert! 

The short wave trough in the PNW will drop south over the 4 corners late Sunday night and produce very high moisture content snowfall for the San Juan Range on Monday. SW winds will pump a decent fetch of moisture from late Sunday night through Monday for the San Juan Range of Colorado. This will favor the eastern mountains towards Wolf Creek, and perhaps Purgatory (Dense snow). Silverton may also see decent amounts. Less snow will be falling in the northern San Juan Range (Telluride). SW winds shift to the West and finally N, NW Monday afternoon through Tuesday. This will push moisture further north including the Front Range near Denver and the mountains near I-70 by Tuesday. 

West winds for several hours may favor Crested Butte and even an outlier surprise at Beaver Creek, or spots closer to Aspen, Sunlight etc (Moderate snow possible). With the N or NW wind shift Summit County, and areas closest to the Front Range are likely to grab generally 3-7 inches late Monday night throughTuesday. Roads will become snow packed along Vail Pass and most areas of the Front Range Foothills on Tuesday. The Good: Decent moisture fetch and snow totals for the San Juan Range (12-16). The Bad: Warm temps in the San Juan Range Monday will keep snow levels as high as 9500 feet (Wet snow). Cooler temps don't move into north/central Colorado until the latter part of the storm Tuesday morning. Caveat: someone might score an outlier surprise like Crested Butte, Aspen, or even along the Front Range Foothills (RNP, Berthoud Pass, Winter Park). The models show generally 3-7 inches at many mountain locations with a few spots seeing higher amounts. Wolf Creek Ski Area will see 12 Plus of wet snow by late Monday night (Storm ski). 

Below: 12-18 inches above 9500 feet likely for the eastern San Juan Range of Colorado through Monday night. Elswhere, some highlighted spots near Gunnision, with less snowfall furthern north initially. Additional snow is likley for the Front Range on Tuesday (This map is stamped at 4AM Tuesday morning).  

\"\"

Below: Temps are warm at 10K feet, just at or above freezing Monday morning in Colorado (Snow level will be 500 feet or more below the actual freezing level). Perfect base building snow. 

\"\"

Below: Temps cool by Tuesday morning where it will be snowing in most mountain regions of central and northern Colorado including the Front Range. 

\"\"

Extended: 

The trend looks like a high pressure ridge is going to take hold of the Rockies through at least the December 8th. There are some signals that a few additional systems ride north over the high-pressure ridge and impact BC and perhaps the Cascade Range as early as next weekend into the following week. The deterministic models are pretty confident in this solution, however the ensembles are not showing a clear signal just yet.

Below: Low pressure on the ensemble runs may be impacting the PNW or BC by late next weekend while the Rockies stay dry. 

\"\"

Below High pressure ridge for the west on December 2nd. There is no signal of any changes through at least December 7th. 

\"\"

Enjoy the powder everyone! 

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