POWDER ALERT- SIERRA- COLD AIR AND 9-15 INCHES OF SNOWFALL EXPECTED LATE WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY!
A Decent looking storm with cold air bringing snow levels near lake level will slam into the Sierra late Wednesday night. Peak snowfall will most likely occcur on Thursday. Currently the models show higher amounts in the southern regions of the SIerra, however decent amounts are possible near Squaw (Mammoth may take the win). Models show some light snow continuing into Friday. Some of the highest peaks of the Sierra Crest may see 15-20 inches while most of the open ski areas should range from 9-15 inches. Well it's mid May, and it appears to be the chase that never wants to end. Colorado grabbed 20 inches a few weeks ago and another 7-9 inches late last week.
Below: Total snowfall for the Sierra range through Friday night
Below: Precipitation intensity peaking on Thursday in the Sierra
NEW ENGLAND WITH A RARE MID MAY EVENT FOR 3-7INCHES FOR MANY OF THE NORTHERN SKI AREAS
Light to moderate snow will be falling at the highest peaks of the White Mountains today with some areas picking up as much as 8 inches by lateTuesday. Mount Snow picked up 4-7 inches just a few days ago (Unofficial from the web-cams).
Below: New England is back in the game Tuesday! North Conway area may be favored at the highest peaks.
The Wasatch gets into the picture for the Friday-Saturday timeframe as decent moisture and cold air work into the Cottonwoods late this week. The coldest air arrives Friday/Saturday with what appears to be a 4-8 inch event. Its possible that as the first chairs start to spin at Snowbird Saturday morning you will awaken to some moderate medium to heavy density powder. It may be snowing as low as 6500 feet so the Canyon may may have chain laws in effect (Have not seen that many times in Mid May, however snowfall for the ski areas is not uncommon in May). Models are still uncertain on exact amounts with lower confidence. High confidence on some snowfall late week into Saturday.
Below: Total snowfall in the Wasatch with 3-9 inches possible by mid Saturday. The models are not consistent on totals here with the Euro bringing higher amounts north of Salt Lake and the GFS higher in the Cottonwoods. Peak snowfall and coldest temps should occur late Friday/Saturday.
Just when I thought it was over, and no more 4AM posts, this happened. Enjoy the powder everyone! It's never too late to send us a donation for the powder bank and to keep your dreams alive.
Powderchaser Steve