Snow returns to 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 February 14, 2022

Summary

High pressure is finally breaking down out West, which will result in a gradual transition to a more active weather pattern with improving snow chances through the end of Feb. A storm will bring widespread snow to much of the West from Mon-Thu, followed by a potentially strong storm over President's Day weekend. The East will be less favored this week with a rain storm expected Thu-Fri.

Short Term Forecast

New snow expected for most Western resorts this week

A storm arriving from the northwest will bring widespread snow to most of the West from Monday through Thursday. This will not be a huge storm by any means, but it will provide a welcome refresh and some areas will see sleeper powder days.

Additional light snow is possible over the Northern Rockies late in the week. Overall, the pattern over the next 5 days will be most favorable across the Northern Rockies, the Oregon Cascades, and Southwest Colorado.

Forecast for Mon 2/14 – Tue 2/15:

Snow will spread into the Northwest and West Central U.S. on Monday and Tuesday with light to moderate totals for most areas, and locally heavy totals across Oregon and Central Idaho. The Upper Midwest and East will be in a cold pattern with mainly flurries and minimal accumulations.

Forecast for Wed 2/16 – Thu 2/17:

The focus of the western storm will shift into the Four Corners from Wednesday through early Thursday with Southern Colorado and perhaps Northern New Mexico being the most favored. A stronger storm will bring heavy snow to Alaska and Northwest BC with BC Interior, Canadian Rockies, and Northern U.S. Rockies picking up some more snow as well.

A rainstorm will impact the Northeast on Thursday with the rain/snow line extending well north into Quebec, while Central Michigan will pick up some snow on the colder side of this storm.

Forecast for Fri 2/18 – Sat 2/19:

A strong storm will bring heavy snow to Alaska and Northern BC on Friday with snow developing across Washington, Southern BC, and Northern Idaho/Montana on Saturday as the storm progresses southward. Rain will change to light snow across the Northeast on Friday as colder arrives, with another weak disturbance bringing light snow showers to the Upper Midwest and New England on Friday night and Saturday.

Extended Forecast

Outlook for Sun 2/20 – Thu 2/24:

A stronger storm is likely across the West over President's Day weekend and into the days to follow with moderate to heavy snow possible for some areas. The West could see another storm late in this period as well. The Northeast will likely see some snow showers over President's Day weekend, but there are also hints there could be another rain event later in this period.