Happy Holidays! Santa can still make it! He is tracking powder currently in the PNW.
We are on track for a decent storm for the Sierra Friday night into Saturday. This storm favors the northern mountains near I-80, perhaps Squaw, Sugar Bowl, and certainly Mount Shasta. Expect 5-12 inches in these areas. 4-7 inches are likely further south.
The Cascade models keep flip-flopping (North or south). Currently, it appears the focus in the next 24 hours will be for the southern regions. Moderate snow will be found in the central or northern Cascades by Saturday morning (4-7). Higher amounts are possible further south. It's also possible that the majority of snow falls closer to the Oregon border. Expect to ride new powder late Friday and early Saturday. My best guess is snow reports Saturday morning in the 5-10 inch range with some of that occurring on Saturday (Southern areas of the interior or western Cascades are favored). Snow will continue in the Cascades, on Saturday morning. The interior southern zones (South Washington Interior) may see decent totals from this form. Oregon will also benefit nicely from this storm! Ride Saturday. The northern Interior including Schweitzer (3-7) will grab moderate amounts through Saturday (5-10 north of Wenatchee in the North Interior).
For the Rockies, the Tetons look decent for a mix of light snow Saturday and moderate snow for Sunday morning. Expect decent riding conditions late Saturday or early Sunday. While it's not an epic event, it will provide a nice refresh of powder.
Below: Total Snowfall through Sunday morning.
The next chase will bring a storm system back into the west early next week. This storm will favor the southern Sierra, southern CA, and eventually push east towards the 4 corners. This may impact the Wasatch with some moderate snow and perhaps higher amounts further south or into Colorado by Tuesday.
Powderchaser Steve
