Deep

Parts of southwest British Columbia and most of Washington started last week with a snowpack that was only 30-40 percent of average. While the past week’s 2-4 feet of snow will not get these areas back to average, it was a welcome change in the weather pattern.

Forecast for Mon, Dec 23 – Fri, Dec 27

There is a little more uncertainty in the five-day forecast than is usual at this lead time, but the average of multiple models continues to point to two storms that should focus most of the snow over the southwest. This includes Southern California, southern Nevada, southern Utah, southern Colorado, Arizona, and maybe New Mexico. Coastal British Columbia should also see significant snow.

Elsewhere around the west, there should be at least light snowfall for most mountains. Deeper accumulations are unlikely though could happen if luck comes into play and the storm tracks shift just a bit or if a few rogue pieces of storm energy swing over a particular region.

Outlook for Sat, Dec 28 – Fri, Jan 3

The week straddling the New Year looks like it will be somewhat quiet. The strongest signal at this point is for storminess over the southwest and also perhaps weak or moderately-strong storms moving across the northern and central Rockies.

While snowfall amounts might be on the lower side, temperatures appear that they will stay chilly over the west. Cool temperatures, along with the low sun angle, should nicely preserve the snow that’s already on the ground.

Thanks so much for reading, and check back for my next post on Thursday, December 26th.

JOEL GRATZ

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