Our Gold Sponsors

The White Room Continues! So Many Options To Chase Powder

This post was originally drafted on Thursday evening. We are on the chase and just scored one of our deepest days ever, at Sun valley Idaho. 

The chase is continuing! Today at Sun Valley brought some of the deepest runs of our season, literally blowing up into our armpits. The term \Getting pitted\" is a phenomena that came true. Total snowfall for the Sawtooth Range is in the 35-40 inch range currently.  Well that does not hold a stick to a few of the snow totals for California as of 7AM Thursday

1) Mammoth 76 inches

2) Mount Rose 51 inches

3) Sugar Bowl 30 inches

4) Squaw 28 inches

Its pretty amazing that nearly as much moisture from Tahoe extended north into south/central Idaho that could potentially out number a few areas in CA by Friday afternoon.

Below: Thursday in Sun Valley!  Photo @powderchasersteve via Instagram 

\"\"

The Tetons nabbed an epic day with 14 inches at JHMR on Thursday morning (Light density). we had forecasted them as a wildcard pick with perhaps close to double digits (Unlikely). The storm over delivered and most of that powder fell during a short period after midnight. No complaints from Wyoming!  

Update: Friday morning- Next storm is on it's heals brings light to moderate snow to the Tetons Friday and another 5-10 Friday night and Saturday. SW winds initially shift to the west. 

The next systems to hit the west are underway currently in the Sierra Thursday evening. The models show 9-12 inches for the northern Sierra (Squaw) and 12-20 inches for the southern areas (Mammoth especially). The short term high resolution model verifies the higher amounts likely coming in for the central and southern Sierra for Friday morning. You might want to chase to those resorts that are getting more manageable snow totals. Late Friday AM should offer some catch up work for all areas of the Sierra. 

Below: Short term resolution model for the Sierra Thursday night showing another good burst of snowfall. Central or southern ends of the lake might be favored including Mammoth. 

\"\"

Elsewhere of highlight, the Sawtooths show another 4-10 inches for Thursday night into Friday. They might not see a break until late AM or early PM Friday. The Tetons wills see light to moderate amounts for Friday morning (2-7). More snow is likely further north into the North entrance of the National Park.

Update Friday: Another 8 inches has fallen at the summit of Sun Valley for Friday morning. They should exceed 40 inch storm totals!

The Wasatch will also score powder midday Friday through early Saturday that could bring a decent day to Utah (Not a huge storm, but decent freshening).

UPDATE: Friday Morning- This storm is looking a bit better, with 15-20:1 snow ratios. Starts out with S winds (Sundance, Park City, Deer Valley could do well on the onset late Friday) and finishes with NW winds (Little Cottonwood, Perhaps Powder Mountain).  Expecting 7-9 inches for the I-80 corridor and north, with perhaps 9-13 inches for the Cottonwoods by Friday mid morning. 

Colorado once again scores the most powder in the southern mountains late Friday to Saturday. Aim for Telluride, Purgatory, Wolf Creek for 4-7 inches on Saturday morning. 2-5 inches is possible further north and along I-70 but its not a major event. Most of that snow is going to fall on the western side of the I-70 corridor. 

Extended:

Very exciting models! The PNW will finally fire by the weekend increasing perhaps for the western areas of Washington and Oregon for Sunday to Monday. The pattern initially favors the North Cascades (Baker) and areas on the Oregon/Washington border. That moisture edges closer to Crystal, Stevens, and the I-90 corridor Sunday PM to Monday (Might be some decent powder late Sunday or early Monday). 

The Sierra grabs another good storm for Monday night to Tuesday that moves east over the Rockies late Tuesday to Wednesday. There is good signal that many locations in the Rockies will score some deep powder during this period. Some models are showing that Colorado may finally score some deep powder along the I-70 corridor, and a more generalized mid winter pattern. While this system is a quick mover, it should produce decent snow totals for most of the north/central Rockies. Let's hope this pans out. 

Friday update: Next week could score some very deep snow in the Rockies. 

See you on the slopes! 

Powderchaser Steve  - Instagram @powderchasersteve

 

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

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 ...
Skis.com

Skis.com

Skis.com is a family owned company that has 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 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 cat, self-propelled, and snowmobile-assisted alpine ski excursions and guided snowmobile tours. A verified outfitter of Polaris Adventures, AIARE avalanche education Provider. With license and permits covering over 200,000 acres of the rugged and beautiful Selkirk Mountain range, SPC conveniently operates at Schweitzer in Sandpoint Idaho. Email Selkirk,;Call the Selkirk Reservation Line, and follow them on Instagram

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.

POWDERCHASERS POWDER CONCIERGE

View all