Before I get into the forecast details, let's review what just went down in Sicily. If you read my last post, you'll remember I discussed a massive snowstorm that was targeting Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy. I forecasted 1.5 - 2.5 m for the ski resorts, which are between 1800m and 2600m. Reporting is limited in this area, and I haven't found ANY snow totals for the resort on the southern side of Mount Etna, Mount Etna Sud Rifugio Sapienza Nicolosi. This storm definitely favored the southern side of the volcano, and I expect their totals are considerably greater than the north. The only snow totals I could find were at 1400m on the north side, well below the ski resort summits, and they measured 1.5m. Needless to say, the upper elevations of Mount Etna Sud Rifugio Sapienza Nicolosi likely exceeded 2.5m.

First, here is a link to a video showing the new snow on the north side.

Below are some images from the north side of Mount Etna, a bit below the ski resort and at the base, provided by Mount Etna Nord Piano Provenzana Linguaglossa.

Forecast for Sunday 2/12 - Thursday 2/16

Not much has changed since my last post. The forecast is boring and also depressing for the next week, especially if you like powder. Temperatures will continue to be warm, with that warmth peaking Monday to Wednesday. I am still expecting highs above 5 degrees during this time. Skies will be mostly clear during this time as well, except for the eastern Austrian Alps on Sunday where a few cms of snow will fall. 

Forecast for Friday 2/17 - Saturday 2/18

The models bring stormy conditions back around Friday the 17th. Right now, it is looking like a small event, with totals in the 10-20 cm range. There are some differences in the storm track, however, so it's a bit too early to pin down timing and where the biggest totals will be. Below you can see the different storm tracks in the European and American models, with the American model featuring a more easterly path.

Some cooler air should arrive with this system, but it looks like a minor decrease in temperatures at this time.

Outlook for Sunday 2/19 - Thursday 2/23

Well, I don't really see anything too exciting in the long-range. The ensembles, which we look at for an idea of whats going to happen 10+ days in the future, don't really show a strong single for storms or a ridge. This leads me to think some small snow events are possible during this time. Let's hope there is a trend for stronger storms during that time, and I will of course update you as we get closer. 

Thanks for reading the forecast. Follow me @lstone84 on Instagram to track and chase storms all Winter long!