Snowpack

This map shows the snowpack versus average and is based on data from about 1,000 backcountry weather sensors installed by the US Government during the 1970s, 1980s, and early 1990s. Each number lists the percent of average snowpack for that river basin.

California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming are doing the best while Oregon, Washington, and parts of northern Idaho are well below average.

Forecast for Thu, Dec 19 – Fri, Dec 20

It appears as though the atmosphere saw the map of snowpack versus average and wanted to make amends because most of the snow for the rest of this week will fall over the Northwest. This snowfall will not get these areas back to average but it will help a little bit.

Forecast for Sat, Dec 21 – Sun, Dec 22

The storm track will sag to the south over the weekend with snow lingering over southern British Columbia and Washington before eventually shifting south to Oregon and Northern California.

Forecast for Mon, Dec 23 – Fri, Dec 27

The best chances for powder on or around Christmas will be in coastal Alaska and British Columbia as well as in the southwest in California, southern Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and southern Colorado.

Outlook for Sat, Dec 28 – Wed, Jan 1

Looking out nearly 10-15 days from now, most models agree that the best chance for cooler weather and storminess will be over the southwestern United States. There is also a chance for weaker storms to hit the northern Rockies, though this type of northwest storm track is usually drier with only low-to-moderate snow totals.

Thanks so much for reading, and check back for my next post on Monday, December 23rd.

JOEL GRATZ

New Daily Snow forecasts this season → British Columbia, Alberta, and New Mexico

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