Snowy pattern continues 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 27, 2021

Summary

Deep snow totals were reported throughout the West over the holiday weekend, resulting in outstanding conditions on the slopes and helping to open up lots of new terrain. An active pattern will continue across the West during the final week of 2021 with more snow for the Rockies, Tahoe, and PNW. The Upper Midwest will also pick up nice snow totals this week while the East will see a mixed bag.

Short Term Forecast

Impressive snow totals adding up out West

Santa delivered the goods to the West over the holiday weekend with heavy totals from the Sierra to the Rockies. The image below is from the snow stake cam at Crested Butte that was buried on the morning of Friday, December 24th. Crested Butte continued to see heavy snow over the weekend with 50" reported during the last 5 days.

Other preliminary deep snow totals over the past 5 days include 89" at Boreal (CA), 86" at Diamond Peak (NV), 80" at Mammoth Mountain (CA), 65" at Alpental (WA), 43" at Whitewater (BC), 42" at Mt. Hood Meadows (OR), 42" at Aspen Highlands (CO), 41" at Schweitzer (ID), and 38" at Jackson Hole (WY).

Forecast for Mon 12/27 – Tue 12/28:

A strong storm will continue to produce heavy snow across the West on Monday followed by lighter snow on Tuesday. Tahoe, Oregon, and Colorado will be favored for the deepest totals during this period.

The Upper Midwest will see heavy snow on Monday morning tapering off later in the day, followed by another round of snow on Tuesday afternoon. Weaker storms over the Northeast with milder temperatures will produce a mixed bag of precipitation.

Forecast for Wed 12/29 – Thu 12/30:

An active pattern will continue across the West with additional storms expected during this period. The storms will not be as strong compared to recently, but most ski regions will continue to pick up moderate to locally heavy snow totals. The Upper Midwest will see additional light snow while the Northeast will see a mix of snow and rain showers.

Forecast for Fri 12/31 – Sat 1/1:

A stronger storm will impact the Central and Southern Rockies on New Year's Eve and into New Year's morning with heavy snow possible for Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico. The Upper Midwest will see additional light snow while the Northeast will remain in a mild pattern with rain and snow. A stronger storm will also develop in the Gulf of Alaska with heavy snow for Northwest BC and Southeast Alaska.

Extended Forecast

Outlook for Sun 1/2 – Thu 1/6:

An active pattern will continue in the West with below-average temperatures and frequent storms, favoring the Northwest, Northern Rockies, and the Sierra. We'll also be watching for a potentially stronger storm for the Northeast early in this period, though precipitation type is a question mark.