Starting today, we have several upper level disturbances that will barrel through central Europe, as you can see below.

Overall, these storms will be coming in from the west and southwest, which is not typically associated with cold air. You can see the same pattern in the jet stream below.

This time of year, without the jet stream approaching the Alps from the north or northwest, it's hard to get cold temperatures. As a result, this series of storms will be on the warmer side, with snow levels generally fluctuating between 2100 to 2400 m during this period. They could go a little higher or a little lower, but that's a good range for most of the Alps most of the time.

Let's take a look at the forecast precipitation and snowfall for the next seven days. Below you can see widespread significant precipitation during this time. Heavier totals in the French Alps result from the overall west/southwest flow.

The total snowfall during this period shows a similar result, with the biggest totals in the western French Alps. The Swiss Alps should get some decent totals as well, with less in the Italian and Austrian Alps, primarily to the predominant wind direction.

Accumulations below 2400 m will be minor, with the best chances on Friday and Saturday during one of the colder storms in the series. Above 2700 m the snow will pile up better, especially in the French and Swiss Alps, where 25 - 50 cms are possible over the next seven days. As you move farther east, and to lower elevations, accumulations will drop off. I will keep an eye on these storms, and hopefully one of them will trend colder and stronger.

Luke Stone
Forecaster, OpenSnow