Resorts open early, storm outlook through Thanksgiving

US and Canada Daily Snow

Heads up, there may be fresher snow! Read the latest US and Canada Daily Snow

By Joel Gratz, Founding Meteorologist Posted 6 years ago November 8, 2018

Summary

Thanks to above average snowfall in late October and early November, a few mountains in Colorado opened early, and the snowpack is also deeper than average in other parts of the west. Coming up, the stormiest and coldest weather will occur over the northeastern United States, though non-snow precipitation will be mixed in at times, something familiar to eastern skiers and riders!

Short Term Forecast

Snowpack

Let’s start out with a look at the current snowpack across the western United States.

The map below shows the current snowpack compared to average. Blue colors highlight above-average snowpack while red colors signify below-average snowpack.

Colorado, New Mexico, southern Utah, and Montana are all looking good!

Thanks to the multiple feet of snow that fell in Colorado during the first few days of November, Keystone and Breckenridge opened two days early, and Eldora opened one week early. Also, Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, and Wolf Creek are open for the season.

Forecast through the weekend

Storms will bring light snow across the northwest and Rockies, while more intense precipitation will hit the northeast.

There is a chance for more than 6 inches of snow in the northeastern United States and southeastern Canada, though the snow will come with mixed precipitation as well (sleet, freezing rain, and some rain). The map below shows the type of precipitation that is forecast for Friday night.

After the Friday night system moves through the northeast, cold air will arrive and this should be very good for snowmaking through the weekend.

Forecast for the week of November 12-16

The longer-range snow forecast shows more of the same. The northwest and eastern Colorado could see light snow, with perhaps another round of more intense precipitation over the northeast.

Once again, the northeast will likely see mixed precipitation with the storm on or around Tuesday, November 13th.

And just like after the Friday night storm, colder air should return after the Tuesday storm which will be good for early-season snowmaking.

Extended Forecast

The outlook from Saturday, November 17 through just before Thanksgiving looks warm (and maybe on the dry side) for much of the western United States and Canada. The bright spot could be over the northeast where cold air could stick around.