The Pacific Northwest has seen significant snowfall in most of the Oregon Cascades where less has fallen further north in Washington.  A convergence zone of cold westerly flow has set up over Stevens Pass this morning well defined on the radar pushing 6 inches overnight according to snow telemetry at the resort. Its still snowing at the resort and should taper off late this morning. Snow will also taper off this morning over Oregon where Timberline scored the 2 foot goodies. 

Below: Convergence Zone set up over the Cascades north of I-90 (common winter pattern with westerly flow and cold air). 6 inches on the telemetry from NWAC

The Panhandle of Idaho lights up on the models today with light or moderate snow continuing above 4,000 feet that pushes into central Idaho, western Wyoming, Montana and perhaps northern Utah.  "We expect 3-6 inches over central Idaho (Brundage might benefit), 2-4 inches in the Tetons and southern Montana with 1-2 inches at the highest elevations of northern Utah closest to Logan"  Very cold air will impact the Rockies tonight through Saturday before things warm up again early next week. The extended forecast below gets interesting. 

Total snowfall below through Friday night next week!

A brief warm up early next week in most of the west with some moisture working into the Pacific Northwest as early Tuesday afternoon (High snow levels) will turn heavier on Wednesday.  Snow levels remain high until Thursday/Friday when a strong cold front slams into the PNW crashing snow levels to all base areas.  It's too far out to speculate on total amounts.  Current model data shows 2 feet or more for British Columbia (Northern areas of BC and inland may benefit the most with cold air in place by midweek) and 9-18 inches for most of the Washington and Oregon Cascades.  These amounts could easily change as we get closer to the event.  We are very confident of a decent cold storm late next week.  Models have been flip flopping on if moisture makes into the Sierra next week. Our early predictions call for cooler temperatures and light rain/snow likely (Good for the wildfires but moisture will be limited).  The most likely scenario for the Rockies is a moderate event of colder temperatures late next week that drags all the leftovers through most of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, northern Utah (Wildcard), and northern Colorado (Wildcard). I expect to issue some powder alerts at some point next week! 

Here is a map showing total moisture ending early Saturday next week in the west:

Hopefully your all considering putting your snow tires on early this season especially if you plan driving in the mountains.  Drive safely if you are in the Pacific Northwest right now especially above 4,000 feet where snow if falling. Updates will be posted on this page as conditions change. We not only forecast the Chase but do our best to make it for 1st chair!  See you on the slopes soon! 

Powderchaser Steve