COVID-19 = Many Resorts are Closed

All Vail Resorts mountains and Alterra Mountain Company mountains are closed. Many other mountains are closed. This is in an attempt to limit the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Please check with resorts to see if they are open before you head out. Many of these closures are in effect until at least Sunday, March 22nd, and some resorts have announced that they will stay closed through the rest of the season.

We understand the reasons for the resort closures. Hopefully, we can stomp out this virus and get the country back to normal soon. Please help and support those around you in need. Support local businesses that are going to suffer from this if you aren't being affected yourself and can help.

The Last Five Days

Even though many lifts are not spinning, and many people are not traveling, the weather doesn’t stop, so here is the latest. During the past five days, from Wednesday, March 11 to Sunday, March 15, the deepest snow has been in the northern Rockies (10-20 inches), in the southwest (10-25 inches), and over California (20-35+ inches). Snow totals in California will continue to increase as a strong storm will bring snow throughout the day on Sunday.

Forecast for Mon, Mar 16 – Wed, Mar 18

The storm over California will move very slowly, and this means that accumulating snow should continue through Monday and Tuesday. Total snowfall over California could be 60+ inches by the time the storm is over. As this system moves to the east, Arizona and southern Utah will also see deep snow, most likely on Wednesday.

Forecast for Thu, Mar 19 – Fri, Mar 20

It’s likely that the California storm will reach Colorado and New Mexico on Thursday and Friday, with deep powder possible on either of these two days. All mountains in Colorado and many mountains in New Mexico will be closed during this storm, though uphill access will be available at some mountains, and the backcountry will be open (please make sure that you have the proper training and equipment).

Forecast for Sat, Mar 21 – Sun, Mar 22

While the weekend might start on the drier side, we should see snow return with another slow-moving southwestern storm. This means possible powder by late Sunday or Monday for parts of California and maybe Colorado.

Outlook for Mon, Mar 23 – Fri, Mar 27

The somewhat easier part of the forecast is trying to figure out what the weather will do next week. All models agree that the southwestern storm track will stick around, which should be good news for California and many other southwestern and central-western states.

The harder part of the forecast is trying to figure out if resorts will be open or re-open for next week. I have no idea. Let’s hope that these closures help all countries to get a handle on the COVID-19 virus as soon as possible.

Thanks so much for reading and please check back for my next post on Thursday, March 19th.

JOEL GRATZ

The Quest for Powder

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