Expect lots of sun this week with warming temperatures. Don't worry there is plenty of snow, the snowpack is well above normal. The spring melt will get going this week in the lower elevations, but it will start slow. Expect firm snow in the morning and softening in the afternoon all week. Classic spring skiing. But toward late week, some lower elevation temperatures may not freeze, which means soft snow in the morning in some areas. Enjoy the sunshine and wonderful skiing, because after the upcoming weekend ski many areas will start to close.

The reason for my high confidence in a stable sunny forecast is we have a Rex block pattern in the upper atmosphere at 18,000 ft (500 mb). This flow tends to lock in the pattern. See graphic below.

Next week we will see more sunshine as the Rex block may evolve into another type of stable blocking pattern called an omega block. An omega block shows a flow pattern like the Greek letter omega. That will mean more sun for us at least early next week. See below.

NOTE: Note: In the next week ski areas will start to operate with different hours and days of operation. Many will start to close down by mid-April. Check ski area websites for the latest.

 Larry Schick - Meteorologist   OpenSnow NW