The models have remained more consistent over the last few days for the weekend storm. This storm looks a bit weak, with its focus on the central zone and the southern part of the northern zone. Snow is expected to move in on Saturday night and continue through Sunday night. This is a small closed low, so the dynamics required to produce precipitation will be over a smaller part of the Andes compared to an open trough of low pressure. 

Temperatures aren't very cold with this one, with most of the cold air moving in with the closed low. Snow levels will likely bottom out around 1800 m on Sunday. 

The area from Corralco north through Nevados de Chillan should do best, with 5 to 15 cm possible. Chillan could do slightly better with up to 20 cm by the time the storm wraps up. Just a dusting to 5 cm is expected for most of the northern zone and the southern zone. Below is the latest snow forecast from the European ensemble. 

The storm will be mostly out of the region on Monday with a return to sunny skies and warmer temperatures. Ridging will once again return, keeping the storm track well south of the resorts through the end of the week. 

The models indicate a possible return to stormy weather this weekend, with another storm early next week, but it's still early. The signal isn't overly strong, so I'm just keeping an eye on it for now. 

Next post on Monday.

Thanks for reading the South America Daily Snow!

Luke Stone
Forecaster, OpenSnow

NEW: Forecast Range Graphs

You can now view individual forecasts from global and regional high-resolution weather models in OpenSnow. This includes forecasts from the GFS, ECMWF, HRRR, and ICON models, as well as the OpenSnow blend.

The graphs give you a behind-the-scenes look at the forecast and make it easier to see if the forecast models are in tight agreement or if there is a wide range of potential outcomes over the next 10 days.

Note: This is currently only available in the OpenSnow iOS app and website (OpenSnow.com). Android will be available soon.

Getting Started

1. Go to any location screen.
2. Scroll down under "Weather" or "Snow Summary".
3. Tap "View Interactive Chart" in the app.
4. Adjust the model, timeframe, or data view.

Why is the Forecast Range helpful?

Understand if there is high or low confidence in the forecast. If all models show a similar forecast, there is higher confidence in the forecast, and vice versa.

Dig into the details. If you have experience looking at weather model data and trust certain models or higher-resolution models, you'll be able to isolate your favorite data.

View → Forecast Range Graphs