Familiar Pattern of Weak Systems & High Pressure

Canadian Rockies Daily Snow

Heads up, there may be fresher snow! Read the latest Canadian Rockies Daily Snow

By Bob Ambrose, Forecaster Posted 1 year ago March 19, 2023

Summary

A weak trough of low-pressure will move into the Rockies on Monday transitioning skies to mostly cloudy and bringing slight chances of isolated flurries, mainly along the Divide from Banff south to Castle Mountain. Cloudy skies with scattered flurries continue through Tuesday and into Wednesday morning before high-pressure rebuilds Wednesday and Thursday. Measurable snowfall returns for Friday.

Short Term Forecast

Below: Yet another Sunny Sunday along the Continental Divide at Sunshiny Sunshine Village.

Sunday: The high amplitude ridge of high-pressure that has been sitting over the Yukon the last few days with its clearing effects spreading south through the Rockies will bring one final day of blue skies and spring temps across the range. A few late afternoon clouds may be experienced across the South Rockies. Alpine temps at 2200m ranging from 0C to -3C. Freeze levels right around 2200m. Light SW winds becoming easterly in the afternoon.

Monday – Tuesday: The ridge of high-pressure over the Rockies will flatten on Monday as a weak Pacific trough moves south to north across the range. This generally dry trough will wobble around the region through Tuesday night bringing mainly cloud cover into the mix on both days. Some isolated upslope flurries cloud bring trace accumulations at Nakiska, Castle, and the SkiBig3 resorts. The W/SW flow will keep temps right around seasonal average with highs at 2200m -2C to -4C. Light E/NE winds. Freeze levels around 1800m.

Wednesday – Thursday: A transient ridge of high-pressure will bring more sun than cloud into the mix on both days. Daytime alpine temps at 2200m will be slightly warmer with highs ranging from -2C at the SkiBig3 resorts to 0C at Nakiska, PPK, and Castle Mountain. Light SW winds, with ridgetop gusts to 30 kph at Castle Mountain. Freeze levels will range from 1900m to 2200m.

Below: Projected snowfall model through 11AM Wednesday morning is not all that impressive but a few centimeters is possible.

Extended Forecast

Friday 3/24 – Sunday 3/26

Still lots of details to be worked out on the storm track but indications are there for a stronger upper level through to be transported into the Rockies beginning Thursday night with widespread light to moderate snowfall possible by Friday and lasting through Friday night. Some models bring 10 – 15cm into the Banff/Lake Louise region by Saturday morning. Snow showers will likely linger through Saturday and into Sunday under the influence of this low-pressure trough. Slightly cooler through the period under predominant cloud cover with highs at 2200m -5C to -7C. Light west winds.

Below: The European Ensemble from Thursday 3/23 through 11AM local time on Monday 3/27 shows high-pressure flattening Friday as a Pacific trough moves in for the upcoming weekend.

Thanks for tuning in. Next update, Tuesday March 21.