We are really excited about a trough that will enter BC with very cold temperatures early next week. Some significant snow possible in some isolated areas inland British Columbia and the northern Rockies. Cold Canadian air will drop into the Rockies mid next week and kick off what looks to be a moderate or perhaps strong event for Montana, Wyoming and perhaps Colorado by late next week (7-18 inches). This system is very different than the last as it won't put 4-5 feet in any single location but its likely to land better wind directions for many ski areas to reap some rewards next week. The previous system was stationary for nearly 36 hours and had an easterly up-slope component that prevented some ski resorts further west from seeing heavy amounts. This system seems to come in with Northerly winds that switch to the NW later in the period. We are relatively confident for some double digits for both interior BC and Alberta. We are moderately confident for northern and southern Montana (Red Lodge Mountain, Bridger Bowl, Whitefish, Big Sky). Coastal BC (Whistler) and much of the Washington Cascades are also likely to see snowfall early next week (Wildcard on amounts).
Below: Very cold air (-15C at 9800 feet) plunges down from Canada early to mid next week.
Below: Total snowfall for the west through Friday. The Euro shown is the most bullish while the GFS is a bit more pessimistic.
