Active pattern ahead for the West

Snow will finally return to the West over the next week with a storm for the Pacific Northwest on Saturday followed by multiple stronger storms that will impact a larger portion of the West next week. Check out the projected 7-day snowfall totals from a blend of weather models from this Friday (12/3) through next Friday (12/10).

Forecast for Fri 12/3 – Sat 12/4

A cold storm will move across the Pacific Northwest and Southern BC Powder Highway on Saturday with a nice round of snow along with low snow levels (below resort base area elevations). Back to back weak storms will also bring snow to the Upper Midwest and Northeast on Friday and Saturday. 

Forecast for Sun 12/5 – Mon 12/6

The Northern Rockies (ID, MT, WY) will see a round of light snow on Saturday night and Sunday morning. A stronger storm will then arrive from the Northwest on Sunday night and Monday with moderate to heavy snow developing over the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies. 

A strong storm will also bring heavy snow to the MN Arrowhead and UP of Michigan on Sunday and Monday. The East will see warmer temperatures in this storm with rain falling for much of the event, though some areas could see a changeover to snow by Monday afternoon.

Forecast for Tue 12/7 – Wed 12/8

A storm will move southward into Utah, Colorado, and Northern New Mexico on Monday night and Tuesday, while the Sierra could potentially see a little bit of snow as well depending on the westward extent of the storm track. Another storm will follow on Wednesday with snow for the Northwest and Northern Rockies.

The Northeast could see some light snow early on Tuesday, then a stronger storm will approach on Wednesday. Uncertainty exists with Wednesday's storm track, and this will impact which areas in the East see more snow versus rain. 

Outlook for Thu 12/9 – Mon 12/13

An active northwest flow storm track will continue across the West with a storm expected to impact a good portion of the West on Thursday followed by additional storms in the days to follow. The Northwest and the Rockies will be the most favored, but the Sierra could pick up some good snow as well depending on the southern/western extent of the storm tracks.

The East will remain in an active pattern, but warmer air arriving will favor more rain versus snow.

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Monday (12/6).

ALAN SMITH