Our Gold Sponsors

Powder Watch- Deep Snow returning to the Northern Rockies, Coastal BC, and wildcard picks for many areas late this week and weekend.

Summary: 

Temps will plunge to January like readings late this week with another round of snow for the Rockies, Pacific Northwest, Canada and even perhaps the Sierra.

We have added new partners Indy Pass, Selkirk Powder Guides, and Tire Rack for the 2020-2021 and are looking for more like minded companies to team up with. If you love powder and own a business, or know someone that does, please email us powderchasers1@gmail.com. We would love to discuss what a partnership would look like with you. Please considering signing up for the Powder Concierge as well. With the crazy and inconsistent restrictions implemented at resorts for the upcoming season, it will be more important than ever to be at the mountain when there's fresh snow. We can definitely help you make that happen. You can read more about it here. Back to the snow.

Forecast: 

We are still 5 days out and the models have been providing varying solutions for a strong low pressure system that should land 12-20 inches for some resorts by the weekend. Currently, precipitation is likely to begin in the Cascades by Thursday favoring the northern Cascades (Mount Baker Ski Area). This system starts out warm, with moderate amounts of wet snow at upper elevations by late Thursday (Much colder Friday with light snow continuing). Winds shift to the NW late this week which should push snowfall further south towards the southern Cascades and a good portion of Oregon (All will see moderate snowfall late this week). 

Below: Very cold air is going to infiltrate the west late this week with temps well below 0-C by late this week at just 4800 feet. Valley locations in the northern Rockies will be in the low single digits once again (Fahrenheit)

Below:

 \"\"

Coastal BC and resorts like Whistler are likely to see rain at the lower elevations with significant snow possible at upper elevations late this week (Mid mountain and higher). Temps will lower late week, so some snow will also be falling at the base late in the storm period just as precipitation tapers. 

The most likely candidates for significant snow for the Rockies will be Northern Montana once again, and areas south perhaps even towards Bridger Bowl. The models have been slowing this system (Thursday night event now looks more like Friday-Saturday). Confidence remains very high for the southern Panhandle of Idaho including the eastern edges of central portions that run alongside the Montana border. Even the Montana Snow Bowl may grab moderate amounts near Missoula. The northern Panhandle of Idaho will grab a refresh of light or moderate snow. Some areas near Glacier National Park and east could score 10-18 inches by late Friday night. North/Central Montana will reap the deepest rewards primarily early Friday to Saturday.

Below: Comparison of 3 models for the upcoming storm. The Euro Ensembles push the highest moisture further north in Montana while the GFS Operational model (2nd map) a bit further south. The 3rd map (Canadian) shows similar amounts for Montana but also decent amounts for the Tetons, Utah, and the Sierra. Most model runs are consistent for southern Colorado. 

\"\"\"\"

\"\"

Late last week, the models had a significant event for the Sierra with the most current data downtrending totals. The Canadian model still shows decent amounts for the Sierra, with the Euro and GFS backing off on totals. Confidence is high that some snow will be falling in both the mountains and valley locations of the Sierra late this week with much colder temperatures. Some flakes are even possible in Reno by Friday night.

From the northern Rockies, Cascade Range, and Sierra late week, this system will land some moderate snow for the Tetons, Northern Utah, and eventually drop into Colorado by the weekend. In Colorado, the models favor resorts west of the Divide, but point to a possible double digits even for the southern San Juan Range, perhaps even Wolf Creek who is currently open. Currently, for the majority of Colorado the event seems to be on the light or moderate side. 

Below: Sunday- Grand Teton National Park- The Grizzlies are out stocking up on Food. @powderchasersteve via Instagram.  At least she is walking on the Shoulder!  Good job. 

\"\"

Extended Forecast:

 

Another low pressure system is likely mid-next week for the West continuing the chances of additional snowfall to many areas that may actually lead to good base building, especially for those spots that have a head start on totals. 

Below: Ensembles showing another low pressure system for the west mid next week (November 11). 

\"\"

Get your snow tires on early this season with the colder temps its likely many areas will be snow packed by the weekend. We have partnered with Tire Rack on some great winter packages here.  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 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