Our Gold Sponsors

Snow will return to the Rockies next week with decent amounts possible for Montana and central Idaho.

Summary:

As New England dries out this week, the west grabs a cold front, and some moderate to heavy snow possible for the central panhandle of Idaho and the interior of Montana next week. Northern Washington might also be chase-worthy by Sunday. Hopefully you realized that our post yesterday was our annual April 1st awakening. Did anyone actually book flights? 

Forecast:

New England grabbed up to 8 inches from the departing storm with Jay Peak on top and Whiteface only reporting 4-5 inches (We thought they would see higher amounts). Further south including New Hampshire resorts only a few inches fell at some of the Ski Areas. 

The bulk of the moisture in the short term will focus on British Columbia where an unsettled pattern continues into the weekend. This will favor western sections of BC where temps are cold enough for all snow at most resorts. Further inland temps are warmer and snowfall amounts will be less, with the exception of perhaps resorts north of Revelstoke.  Most of the snow for Canada will occur midday Saturday to Sunday evening (Many resorts are closed so be sure to check before heading out). 

Check out the lowest pre season IKON rates above . We depend on multiple passes for chasing powder every season and often renew early.

Late Saturday or Sunday snow will drop further south over the Cascade Ranges of Washington. Models currently depict some decent amounts are possible near Mt Baker with lighter amounts further south. The timing is good with most of the snow falling after the lifts close on Saturday. Colder air is depicted over Bellingham on the models with a warming trend as you move further inland. I am not sure what this will ultimately mean for the Ski Area. It's possible the warm air on the models is hung up on the eastern side of Cascades. More on snow quality in a future post. 

Below: Total snowfall for BC through midday Sunday. Heaviest amounts on the western side with some moderate amounts noted in the central Interior (Revy or north). Some of this snow will trickle south over the northern Cascades of Washington for Sunday morning. 

\"\"

Models are showing a decent cold front moving over central Idaho next week. There will be a very rapid cool down and some moderate to heavy bands of snow possible. Currently, areas to watch are the McCall area mountains for Monday afternoon into Tuesday (Moderate snow). Snow will be falling, perhaps heavy at times for the central panhandle of Idaho (Just south of Lookout Pass) into central Montana. Models show heavy snow is possible for areas east and south of Missoula. This might include Great Divide Ski Area, Showdown, and even Discovery. Further north towards the Montana Snowbowl lighter amounts is possible. We need to watch the models as we get closer. The GFS is the most bullish, while the European is less so. 

Further south some snow will also be falling in the Tetons early next week, however, amounts might be on the light or moderate side. 

Below: Sharp cold front approaching the Tetons Monday night kicking off snow showers. Moderate snow is also possible for Bridger and Big Sky. 

\"\"

Below: Total snowfall through Tuesday mid-morning focusing on central Idaho (Just west of McCall), and especially interior Montana east or south of Missoula (4.9 on the map is Missoula). It's possible that Bridger Bowl and even Big Sky score some moderate amounts during this period. The Tetons will see lower amounts but with colder temps there could be some outlying surprises. 

\"\"

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

POWDERCHASERS TRIP CONCIERGE SERVICES

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

ASK A POWDERCHASER

POWDERCHASERS SPONSORS

POWDERCHASERS PARTNERS

Skis.com

Skis.com

Skis.com is a family owned company who have been in the ski industry for more than 50 years! Skis.com is a one stop shop online retailer for all your ski equipment and clothing needs!

 
Alaska Backcountry Guides

Alaska Backcountry Guides

Alaska Backcountry Guides, is a team of dedicated ski industry veterans. They offer semi-private and private heliski/snowboard trips in the heart of the Chugach mountains in Valdez, Alaska. With a maximum of 2 groups per helicopter, their helicopter ski/snowboard operation operates in a more flexible manner in an effort to explore the endless terrain that is at their doorstep, and as a result you will never be waiting for the helicopter to take your next run. 
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 snow 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.
Selkirk Powder

Selkirk Powder

Selkirk Powder provides cat skiing/snowboarding, AIARE avalanche education courses, and snowmobile tours in the Idaho Selkirks above Sandpoint, Idaho.
The Mountain Collective

The Mountain Collective

The Mountain Collective™ boasts 24 dream ski destinations across the globe.


The pass includes two days of skiing or riding with no blackout dates at each of the 23 partners (46 total days), 50 percent discount on all additional days.

ZOLEO

ZOLEO

Meet ZOLEO, the affordable satellite communicator accessory that extends your smartphone messaging coverage to everywhere on Earth and provides a safety system you can count on. The ZOLEO satellite communicator device will keep you connected and secure when venturing beyond cell coverage.

POWDERCHASERS POWDER CONCIERGE

View all