Active pattern ahead for the West

The storm track is ramping up across the West this week as we head deeper into the fall season, and that means cooler temperatures, precipitation, and mid to high elevation snow for many areas. In fact, by early next week, snow levels will drop to fairly low elevations for this time of year. 

On Wednesday, weak storms will impact both the Rockies and the Pacific Northwest. Snow levels will be relatively low over the Cascades and BC Coast Range but high across the Rockies. 

A stronger storm will then impact the Sierra Nevada and the Rockies from Thursday through Sunday with lowering snow levels from west to east as a cold front works its way across. 

Early to mid next week, an even stronger storm will arrive from the northwest with cold air, low snow levels, and the potential for significant snowfall for portions of the Cascades and Rockies.

Forecast for Wed, Oct 6 – Thu, Oct 7

Light to moderate snow will fall across British Columbia, Alberta, and the WA/OR Cascades on Wednesday with heavier snow over Southeast Alaska. Storm systems will also impact the Rockies on Wednesday and Thursday but snow levels will be high. 

Forecast for Fri, Oct 8 – Sat, Oct 9

Colder air will arrive from west to east on Friday and Saturday with lower snow levels and more significant mountain snow falling across the Sierra Nevada Range as well as the Central Rockies. The next storm will impact Coastal Alaska and British Columbia on Saturday with heavy snow expected, and lighter snow reaching the Washington Cascades & Olympics by later in the day. 

Forecast for Sun, Oct 10 – Mon, Oct 11

Snow from the previous storm will linger across Colorado and Northern New Mexico on Sunday. Meanwhile, the stronger/colder storm arriving from the Northwest will bring more widespread snow with lower snow levels to the Cascades, BC/Alberta, Northern U.S. Rockies, and Utah on Sunday night and Monday. The Tahoe area could see a glancing blow as well. 

Outlook for Tue, Oct 12 – Sat, Oct 16

A strong and cold storm will continue to impact portions of Utah, Colorado, and Wyoming on Tuesday and Wednesday, though the exact position/movement of the center of low pressure will determine which ranges will be the most favored.

Later in the week, additional storms are likely to impact the BC Coast Range and Washington Cascades as well. 

Below-average temperatures are expected across the entire West next week with a warmer airmass remaining in place over the Eastern U.S. 

Thanks so much for reading! Check back for my next post on Friday, October 8th.

ALAN SMITH