Deep pattern remains on track for the West

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 2 years ago December 22, 2021

Summary

An active pattern will take hold for the remainder of 2021 across the West with deep totals adding up over time across the Sierra, Cascades, and the Rockies. Christmas Day powder days are likely for many areas throughout the west.

Short Term Forecast

Get ready for big-time snow out West

A series of strong storms will impact Western North America from Wednesday through the end of the year with improving snow conditions and expanding terrain likely for ski areas just as we head into the busy holiday season.

Canada and the Pacific Northwest have already had a "head start" on the active pattern with deep totals adding up since last weekend. Check out the scene from Fernie, BC. on a recent deep powder day.

Forecast for Wed 12/22 – Thu 12/23:

The first in a series of storms will begin to impact the West on Wednesday with heavy snow across British Columbia on Wednesday and lighter snow south of the border initially. On Wednesday night and Thursday, heavy snow will fall across the Sierra and Cascades and will spread inland over the Northern Rockies as well.

The Upper Midwest and Northeast will see a couple of rounds of light snow showers on Wednesday and Thursday, with mixed precipitation for Southern New England and all-snow for Northern New England.

Forecast for Fri 12/24 – Sat 12/25:

A series of storms will bring heavy snow to a large portion of the Western U.S. on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. A couple of weaker storms involving warmer air will bring a combination of rain and snow showers to the Upper Midwest and parts of the Northeast, while New England should see all snow but only light amounts of it.

Forecast for Sun 12/26 – Mon 12/27:

Storms will continue to bring heavy snowfall to the Western U.S. with deep totals continuing to add up. A strong storm will also impact the Upper Midwest on Sunday night and Monday with heavy snow possible. The Mid-Atlantic will see two weaker storms with a combination of light snow and rain showers expected, while New England is only projected to see flurries.

Extended Forecast

Outlook for Tue 12/28 – Sat 1/1:

An active pattern with consistent snowfall will continue across the West as we finish out 2021. Storms will likely not be as strong compared to the days prior, and temperatures will also be trending colder as arctic air works its way southward. New England will continue to see snow chances every couple of days, but warmer temperatures are also expected and rain could be a factor at times.