Epic Utah storm cycle, PNW & BC favored this weekend

US and Canada Daily Snow

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

By Alan Smith, Meteorologist Posted 3 years ago February 19, 2021

Summary

Utah experienced a massive storm cycle this week (accompanied by extreme avalanche conditions) with 7-day totals of 64-101 inches at ski resorts in Big and Little Cottonwood Canyons. Two more storm cycles will impact the West this weekend & early next week, favoring Washington & British Columbia with the deepest snowfall. The Northeast will also continue to see shots of snow on a frequent basis.

Short Term Forecast

DEEP snow totals in Utah

The Wasatch Range was buried during a storm cycle this week with snow totals of up to 100 inches during the 7-day period from February 12th-18th. Alta and Snowbird in Little Cottonwood Canyon received the deepest totals of 101 inches and 83 inches, respectively. Both of these areas were forced to shut down for an extended period due to extreme avalanche danger.

Big Cottonwood Canyon resorts Brighton (76 inches) and Solitude (64 inches) received deep totals as well but remained open during the cycle and skiers and riders were treated to amazing conditions. For a full rundown of snow totals from this storm cycle, check out Thursday's Utah Daily Snow post from our Utah forecaster Evan Thayer.

Forecast for Fri, Feb 19 – Sat, Feb 20

The next storm in the West will favor the Northwest on Friday with low snow levels, while the Sierras and Rockies will see most of their action on Friday night and Saturday. The Northeast will see lingering snow from their most recent storm on Friday with additional backside snow showers on Saturday.

Forecast for Sun, Feb 21 – Mon, Feb 22

Colorado will see some lingering snow early on Sunday. Then, a strong storm will bring deep snow totals to the Northwest on Sunday and Monday, especially in British Columbia and Washington, though snow levels will rise to 3,500-4,500 feet across much of this region. A storm will also bring a good round of snow to the Upper Midwest and Northeast on Monday.

Forecast for Tue, Feb 23 – Wed, Feb 24

The early week storm will continue to have lingering impacts across the Northwest and Northern Rockies on Tuesday with snow levels gradually falling. Snow will also shift farther south on Tuesday and Wednesday into the Central Rockies. A weak disturbance will bring another round of snow showers to the Northeast on Tuesday and Wednesday as well.

Extended Forecast

Outlook for Thu, Feb 25 – Mon, Mar 1

A northwest flow storm track will favor Western Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and the Rockies during this period with another storm or two likely. The Northeast could also see a storm early in this period before the pattern quiets down heading into the beginning of March.