Snowfall Returns for the Weekend

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 29, 2023

Summary

A ridge of high-pressure has kicked in across the Rockies and looks to keep a mix of sun and cloud in the forecast through Friday. This weekend, measurable snowfall returns as a storm brewing in the Gulf of Alaska swings into the Rockies bringing periods of light snowfall beginning late Friday. The snow looks to fall in off-and-on periods through Sunday with storm totals of 10 – 15cm likely.

Short Term Forecast

Below: A gorgeous Wednesday morning in the alpine at Marmot Basin. These blue skies will be widespread across the Rockies for Wednesday.

Wednesday through Friday: A ridge of high-pressure with its axis over the BC Coast will keep a general mix of sun and cloud across the Rockies daily through Friday. A bit more cloud Thursday morning as a weak disturbance quickly moves through, then again on Friday afternoon in advance of this weekend’s storm system. Northerly winds bring a continuation of below seasonal average daytime temps, with mid-afternoon highs ranging around -2C to -4C at 2200m daily through Friday. Light variable winds Wednesday and Thursday. Moderate SW winds develop on Friday, especially gusty across the alpine bowls at Castle Mountain. Daily Freeze levels will range from 1700 – 2000m.

Saturday & Sunday: The ridge of high-pressure will flatten Friday evening as a robust Alaskan low-pressure system descends from the northwest along the BC Coast creating a moist SW flow over inland BC and the Rockies. Flurries look to begin overnight Friday with trace amounts to 5cm possible by Saturday morning with the SkiBig3 resorts looking best positioned. Saturday is looking to be an unsettled day with a mix of cloud and flurries with trace amounts likely up to 5cm through the day. Snowfall looks to increase across the range Saturday night and continue in periods through the day on Sunday. At this point, a conservative estimate of 6 – 10cm are likely at most resorts through late Sunday afternoon. Cooler with highs at 2200m ranging -4C to -6C. Light to moderate SW winds at the ridgetops.

Below: Projected snowfall across the Rockies starting at noon (MT) on Friday through 1800 (MT) on Sunday evening looks promising. Still some quirks in the forecast to work out. Stay tuned for my next update on Friday.

Extended Forecast

Monday 4/3 through Friday 4/7

As the Alaskan storm system moves overhead on Sunday night periods of light to moderate snow look to continue into the day on Monday. Additional snowfall in the 5 – 10cm range for most resorts. As the storm moves to the southeast Monday night wrap around moisture looks work with easterly upslope winds through Tuesday. Nakiska, Norquay, Sunshine, and Castle could see another 5 - 10cm through Tuesday night, with trace amounts to 5cm elsewhere. A bit of a break on Wednesday as a weak ridge begins to build which is followed by a weak trough Thursday and Friday which could bring back the upslope effect. Much cooler than seasonal average temps look to last through early next week.

Below: As the Alaskan storm system moves south/southeast it will keep snowfall in the picture through Tuesday night. Another trough approaches from the west/southwest late Wednesday into Friday.

Thanks for tuning in. Next update, Friday March 31.