Our Gold Sponsors

SUMMARY: 

Snow is continuing in the Sierra (14 additional inches at Squaw overnight) with temps hovering at freezing near the bases and mid to high 20's at the summits. The Tetons slowed down last night with another good shot of moisture headed there for Wednesday/Thursday. Idaho continues to score in isolated areas. Temps are warm with the exception of Montana where Big Sky scored 11 inches in the past 24 hours. Warm temps continue until Thursday PM/Friday when a sharp cool down impacts the intermountain west. Colorado may end up winning the powder game late this week with 1-2 feet likely by late Sunday.

FORECAST:

It's pretty much a repeat forecast with a stationary front continuing to pump an Atmospheric River of moisture into the northern Sierra extending into Idaho and Wyoming.  Sun Valley may finally score higher amounts (6-7 last night) where winds are more favorable for (SE) today. Temps are warm so it's wet snow at lower elevations and pretty dense at upper elevations.

For the Tetons, snow will increase on Wednesday with another 5-9 inches during the day before decreasing at night.  Snow will increase again Thursday with an additional 5-9 inches.  Temps continue to stay on the warm side for the Tetons so AVY danger will continue to rise.  Temps will slowly cool late Wednesday into Thursday (2-3 degree drop) before dropping significantly Thursday night. Expect 10-16 additional inches by Thursday afternoon with the warmer temps and 2-5 inches of colder frosting Thursday night/Friday (Could be really fun riding on Friday morning).  It's likely that February will go down as the deepest month in history for either Jackson or the Ski Resort but this is not official yet. 

Snow will continue albeit lighter 24-hour totals for most of the Sierra.  Temps will keep snow levels around 6500 feet but with convective showers, it will drive the freezing levels lower (Most bases). Another 2 feet or more of snowfall is likely through Thursday night.  Winds appear to be strong Wednesday (Wind holds likely) before decreasing on Thursday.  There may be a break in the precipitation late Thursday into Friday so if you're aiming for open terrain that might be a good window.  Thursday may also offer some windows with decreasing winds.  Yet, another storm moves in with similar snow levels for the weekend!  Most resorts in Tahoe have set all-time February records! 

FINALLY, we can talk about Utah and Colorado.  Models show a tease of light moisture for Thursday before a stronger but quick moving cold front drags moderate snowfall to most of northern Utah for Friday morning.  You will most likely awaken to 7-11 inches in the Cottonwoods and 4-9 inches in the Park City area (Canyons side may be favored).  Similar or less amounts may fall in the northern Wasatch near Powder Mountain, with less at Snowbasin.  West winds are a decent flow to most areas of Utah however models still point to a bit higher amounts south of the Great Salt Lake. 

In Colorado, I have high confidence for ample amounts of snowfall, especially in the extended forecast. In the near term, Thursday teases will turn into a moderate dump likey favoring the northern mountains.  Models only lead me to believe wide areas of 3-6 inches and isolated pockets of 5-10 inches possible closer to the Wyoming border.  Steamboat would be close if that moisture drops slightly further south.  Aspen also may see slightly higher amounts?  I will narrow the Friday totals in on the post tomorrow. Keep reading below for the extended forecast.  

EXTENDED: 

The Sierracontinues to grab snowfall this weekend (Ditto Ditto Ditto).   Pacific Moisture streams over the intermountain west taking a more southerly route over south-central Utah, and a wide area of Colorado.  Some moisture will stream north into the Wasatch especially early Saturday.  Moderate amounts are likely with warmer temps and SW wind direction (Northern Wasatch sometimes scores with this pattern).  I like the Friday storm better due to colder temps, but some sneak up powder is certainly worth watching for the Saturday/Sunday event as an unsettled pattern of snow showers continues this weekend. Totals in the Wasatch between the Friday and weekend storm will likely exceed 15-18 inches (only good overnight dump likely to be for Friday morning). 

Below:Total snowfall for Alta showing mean snow totals (Dark blue and red lines) somewhere in the 10-18 inch range mainly from Friday to Sunday. Confidence is only moderate at this point with some model ensembles coming in lower. 

\"\"

Coloradowho may see some favortism in the north on Friday gets deeper rewards for all areas along I-70 and south for Saturday/Sunday/Monday.  It's likely that you will score moderate snow at some point during the day Saturday that intensifies late.  Totals for most of Colorado are coming in with 12-20 inches for many resorts.  The highest amounts may be found in the central and northern mountains with less in the southern San Juans.  The northern San Juan mountains (Telluride) may sneak out decent amounts.  Best days to ride will be storm ski Saturday, deeper Sunday, and some leftovers continuing into Monday.  Remember, Friday?  Someone might score up north for Friday morning.    

Below:Total snowfall for Colorado through late Sunday.  Highest totals may be found along I-70, Summit, Eagle, Pitkin and even Gunnison Counties.  Decent amounts into Grand County near Berthoud Pass and Winter Park.  High confidence in a good dump for most of northern and central Colorado! 

\"\"

Enjoy the powder everyone.  If you're in the deep today, remember tree well immersions are a real hazard (Stay away from the bases of trees as they will suck you in). I had to unbury a guy last year who went head first into a well.  Ride with a whistle on your jacket! Ski with a partner!  Never venture into the backcountry without the knowledge and a partner.  

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 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

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.

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