Very heavy snow ahead for Alaska's Chugach Range above 3,000 feet 

A powerful Gulf of Alaska storm – fueled by an atmospheric river of subtropical moisture – will impact the coastal ranges of Alaska, including the Chugach Range, this weekend. Several feet of snowfall is likely for areas above 3,000 feet over the next 5 days, including many of Alaska's heli-skiing zones. 

You may have noticed the huge 5-day snow forecast showing up under our Top 5-Day Forecasts for Silverton Mountain Guides in Alaska. While the amount shown might seem like an unbelievable amount of snow, multiple weather models that we use in our forecast data support it – an indication of just how much moisture is involved with this storm.

Forecast for Fri 10/29 – Sat 10/30

The big storm for Alaska will produce its heaviest snowfall rates from Friday night through Saturday night. Elsewhere, British Columbia and Alberta will continue to pick up snow through Friday with falling snow levels also expected across the Washington Cascades as colder air arrives. The storm will move south into the U.S. on Saturday with light snow for Montana and Wyoming.

For specific snow level elevation forecasts, refer to our ski resort pages.

Forecast for Sun 10/31 – Mon 11/1

Another weak storm will bring snow to the Central Rockies on Sunday and Monday with Northern Colorado likely being the most favored area. The next storm will reach California and Oregon on Monday but it looks like rain will be the favored precip-type for most ski areas with mild air and high snow levels expected.

Alaska will continue to get pounded on Sunday and Monday.

Forecast for Tue 11/2 – Wed 11/3

The next in a series of weak storms will bring more snow to the Rockies on Tuesday and Wednesday. Rain will be favored for ski areas in the Washington Cascades and BC Coast Range with warmer air in place and snow confined to the higher elevations. Alaska will continue to see heavy snow on Tuesday before the pattern finally relents a bit on Wednesday.

The East will also turn more active during this period with snow possible across the higher elevations of the Northeast, while the UP of Michigan could see some lake effect action.

Outlook for Thu 11/4 – Mon 11/8

The storm track looks to be most favorable for the Pacific Northwest during this period, but the Sierra and the Rockies could also see some snow. Meanwhile, an active pattern is also expected across the East with snow opportunities for New England and the Mid-Atlantic. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Monday (11/1).

ALAN SMITH