Morning Glory at Sun Valley Courtesy Idarado Media

The next storm is already underway with Schweitzer Mountain near Sandpoint recording 7” overnight. Snow is falling this morning at Brundage Mountain and Tamarack as well with temperatures in the lower 20’s.  Further east, it’s much colder in the Sawtooth Mountains this morning. Sun Valley is spinning up the lifts with 7 degrees and bluebird skies, but that’s all about to change for the better. Keep reading for more details.

Today through Wednesday March 1

Take a look at the storm system heading our way. You can see it diving southward toward the Oregon Coast. Over the next 3 days it will move inland, producing the copious amounts of fluffy snow for us to rip through for some great cold smoke skiing and riding.

NOAA’s GOES-WEST Water Vapor Satellite Loop

Today through Tuesday will kick out the highest accumulations:

8 to 10” at Sun Valley

10 to 14” at Bogus Basin and Tamarack Resort

Much higher amounts are expected at Brundage Mountain and Schweitzer that will bring their totals to about 2 FEET if you include their Wednesday refills.

Holy cold smoke Batman, look at the Cascade Mountain Range! Here's Larry's forecast for them: https://opensnow.com/dailysnow/northwest

GFS Computer Modeled  Snowfall totals through Wednesday Morning: 

6 to 18” (in Purple colors) much higher in Panhandle and West Central Mountains

Thursday March 2 through Monday March 6

Cold and relatively drier northwest flow on Thursday will give way to a more westerly weather pattern by Friday and beyond. This will moderate temperatures closer to normal with a warm front delivering the moisture for more snow - in a big way, particularly for the Central and Boise Mountains including Bogus Basin. Strong winds may accompany this storm, especially in the Panhandle, so check your individual forecasts as we get closer in time:

https://opensnow.com/state/ID

There’s still some wiggle room in the details for next weekend’s storm, but snow levels are anticipated to be around 5,000 feet, which is perfect. Here’s a peek at how the longer-range GFS computer model solution depicts the 24 hour snow events through Monday morning March 6:

GFS Computer Model 24 hour Snowfall Friday through Saturday March 6

Sure, we'll take a couple more feet, thank you!

 

Tuesday March 7 through Saturday March 11

The 8 to 14 day Outlooks from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center are still indicating cool and moist weather for Idaho as we approach mid-March.  However, there will be an interruption in the snow train next week with a ridge of high pressure cutting off our flow of energy from the Pacific. Check back for updates, but I’m thinking ‘Corduroy’ groomers and powder stash bluebird days are in store for pre-spring.

Thanks for reading.

Coleen

Today: She Jumps "Get the Girls Out"! at Schweitzer

Pre-Season Pass Sales are underway NOW!

Moderate to considerable avalanche danger is still in the mix. Please get the updated conditions from the Payette and Sawtooth Avalanche Centers before venturing out of bounds.

 

Geography Key:     

West Central Mountains

Bogus Basin, Brundage Mountain, Tamarack, McCall

Boise Mountains

Idaho City, Banner Ridge, Lowman

Central Mountains, Sawtooth Mountains, and Wood River Valley

Sun Valley, Soldier Mountain

Panhandle/Coeur d’Alene Mountains

Schweitzer, Silver Mountain