Good morning everyone. If you have not checked out our latest winter forecast predictions for 2024-2025, you can view it on our website. While historical data and predictions allow us to issue forecasts there are always anomalies that bring heavy snowfall to areas that are not in the trended zones. Thus far, La Niña is still in play for the upcoming season (weak initially). Colder temps and moisture are lingering over Canada currently.
Announcement: If you are interested in an Ikon Pass this season, savings end Thursday, October 10, so it's your last chance to purchase here at the lowest fall rate. We utilize several multi mountain passes to chase supporting small and large industry partners.
Canada has seen above average precipitation in the past several weeks, especially along the coastal ranges of BC. Some ski areas are already reporting some snowfall at the upper elevations.
Below: Revelstoke Mountain last week with a tease at the upper elevations.
Below: Glacier National Park, Canada (Just north of Revelstoke). Finally some deep snow to talk about to start out October.
The western US has been seeing unseasonably warm temps for late September and early October. In fact, the Denver high temps for much of early October have been in the low to upper 80's. It still feels like summer in the Rockies.
The weather models are showing a cold front and some possible snowfall returning to the northern and perhaps central Rockies just beyond the middle of October with a cold front noted below.
Below: 10K foot temps dropping to -10C (14F) favoring the northern Rockies and PNW. Map Date: October 18th.
Below: Low pressure is possible during the same timeframe that should kick off some light or moderate snowfall in the northern regions of the Rockies. This might extend further south with low confidence being 9-10 days out.
Below: Powderchaser Steve was just in northern Canada (Prince Rupert area) photographing Bears amidst heavy rainfall, nearly consistently for 5 days. This photo is a very rare "spirit bear" that very few people have ever seen (Black bear with a rare gene that makes them white). This is one of the top 3 rarest bears in the world. Lets hope my sighting of a white bear is a sign of things to come this winter. Photo: @powderchasersteve on instagram (Wildlife collection and Powder photos).
The longer range forecast for October seems to hint at another potentially larger storm towards the end of October. We shall wait and see.
Don't forget, if you are going to purchase an Ikon Pass this winter Thursday is the last day to purchase at the lowest rates here. Savings end October 10.
Also, don't forget to support Powderchasers through our sponsors, donations or sign up for our custom concierge powder forecasting program (We keep you in the deep for every storm).
We will broadcast any updates of significance this Fall as storms develop. Our regular forecasts should resume by mid to late November.
Powderchaser Steve
