Storm track favors Canada and Alaska this week

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 January 10, 2022

Summary

The storm track will retreat northward this week with storms producing heavy snow across higher elevations of BC & Alaska. However, even this far north warm air will result in rain for some lower elevation areas, with higher elevation interior areas seeing the best snow. A cold pattern is expected across the East this week with storms favoring the Mid-Atlantic this weekend & early next week.

Short Term Forecast

Storms favoring areas north of the border

The Western U.S. will head into a warmer and drier pattern this week, while a series of storms will bring heavy snow, and unfortunately, lower mountain rain to British Columbia & Alaska. Ski resorts south of the border in Washington will see mostly rain while far Northern Idaho will see some snow.

Resorts that will be the most favored this week include mid to upper portions of Alyeska, Revelstoke, Whitewater, Kicking Horse, Shames Mountain, and the upper slopes of Whistler above the rain/snow line. The Canadian Rockies will also see light snow but without the rain issues.

Forecast for Mon 1/10 – Tue 1/11:

Storms over the West will favor Southeast Alaska & Northwest BC on Monday and the higher elevations of Southwest BC on Tuesday. Weak disturbances will bring periods of light snow showers and flurries to the Upper Midwest and Northeast, while lack effect regions in New York could see locally heavy snow.

Forecast for Wed 1/12 – Thu 1/13:

A strong storm will bring heavy snow to the higher elevations of Southern & Central British Columbia on Tuesday & Wednesday, with far Northern Idaho getting in on the action as well. Several weak disturbances will bring light snow showers or flurries to much of the Upper Midwest and East.

Forecast for Fri 1/14 – Sat 1/15:

A couple of weak and disorganized storms will attempt to push into the Western U.S. with light snow possible across portions of the Rockies and perhaps even the Sierra, but confidence is low in terms of where the snow will fall. A strong storm will impact Northwest BC & Southeast Alaska on Saturday.

A strong storm will bring moderate to heavy snow to portions of the Upper Midwest on Friday and into Friday night, before moving southeast on Saturday with snow likely developing across the Southern Appalachians.

Extended Forecast

Outlook for Sun 1/16 – Thu 1/20:

High pressure will weaken slightly over the West with weak but somewhat colder storms expected across Western Canada and perhaps the Northern Cascades and Northern Rockies. Colder than average temperatures will prevail across the Midwest and East with a storm track favoring the Mid-Atlantic for more snow.