Deep snow totals across the West from recent storm cycle

An impressive storm cycle has produced very heavy snowfall over the West in recent days – great news for building up an early-season snowpack and opening up new terrain! Tahoe in particular was slammed early this week with preliminary storm snow totals of 43-72 inches as of Tuesday (12/14).

Some of the most notable ski resort snowfall totals across the West over the past 5 days (as of Tuesday 12/14) include 72" at Mt. Rose (NV), 52" at Palisades Tahoe (CA), 48" at Heavenly (CA), 45" at Alpental (WA), 39" at Mt. Hood Meadows (OR), 39" at Whistler (BC), and 25" at Sun Valley (ID).

Forecast for Wed 12/15 – Thu 12/16:

Snow will fall across the Rockies early on Wednesday before tapering off later in the day. The next storm will bring heavy snow to California on Wednesday & Wednesday night with moderate snow farther north across the Cascades. Light to moderate snow will then fall across the Northern and Central Rockies on Thursday.

A storm will also move across the Upper Midwest and East with rain changing to snow across the Arrowhead of Minnesota on Thursday while precipitation will start as snow or mixed precip in New England before changing to rain.

Forecast for Fri 12/17 – Sat 12/18:

Lingering snow showers over the Central Rockies on Friday morning will taper off later in the day. A strong storm will then impact the Pacific Northwest on Friday night and Saturday with heavy snow expected across Washington, British Columbia, and Northern Idaho.

A storm will also bring a round of snow to the Upper Midwest on Friday night and Saturday, before spreading into Northern New England on Saturday with rain or mixed precipitation expected (approximately) south of the Adirondacks and into the Mid-Atlantic. 

Forecast for Sun 12/19 – Mon 12/20:

Snow will fall over the Northern Rockies on Sunday, favoring Idaho and Montana. The next storm on Sunday night and Monday then looks to favor the Cascades from Northern California to Washington. 

Colder air and backside snow showers can be expected across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic on Sunday behind Saturday's storm. Another round of snow showers is possible across Northern New England on Monday, and Upper Midwest areas closest to the Canadian border could also see some light snow showers either day.

Outlook for Tue 12/21 – Sat 12/25

The pattern is looking good across the Western U.S. in the days leading up to Christmas. The storm track looks to be most favorable over California and Tahoe, but the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies will have a high probability of storms as well, especially later in this period. New England will also see a more favorable pattern with near to below-average temperatures along with frequent shots of snow. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Friday (12/17).

ALAN SMITH