New snow out West, plus a stronger storm this weekend

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 16, 2022

Summary

Most regions of the West have picked up new snow early this week with the deepest totals so far across Oregon, while Colorado and New Mexico will see a nice round on Wednesday & Thursday. A stronger storm will impact the Northwest and Northern/Central Rockies over President's Day weekend and the Southern Rockies early to mid next week.

Short Term Forecast

A more favorable storm track for the West

The West is finally getting into a more active period of weather for the next 7-10 days. Colorado and New Mexico will be favored on Wednesday and Thursday, then a stronger and slower-moving storm will bring snow to most of the West from Saturday through next Wednesday (2/23).

The Eastern U.S. will be in a warmer pattern with mostly rain, while areas north of the border in Quebec will see heavy snow and the Upper Midwest (especially around Lake Superior) will also pick up some good snow over the next week.

Forecast for Wed 2/16 – Thu 2/17:

A storm will favor Colorado on Wednesday and Thursday with areas east of the Divide in Wyoming and Montana also picking up some nice totals, as will New Mexico and Arizona. A strong storm will bring heavy snow to Alaska and Northwest BC as well.

A storm will move into the East on Wednesday night and Thursday but this will be a rain event for the Northeast U.S., while snow will primarily be confined to areas north of the St. Lawrence River in Quebec.

Forecast for Fri 2/18 – Sat 2/19:

A strong storm will bring heavy snow to Alaska and Northern BC on Friday before extending southward into Southern BC on Saturday with snow also beginning over the Northern Cascades in WA.

Across the East, rain will change over to snow on the backside of the storm on Friday, while a weaker but colder storm will bring snow showers to the Upper Midwest and Northeast on Friday and Saturday.

Forecast for Sun 2/20 – Mon 2/21:

Moderate to heavy snow will develop over the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies on Saturday night and Sunday, with snow extending into California, Nevada, and Utah on Monday. Back-to-back storms on Sunday and Monday will also bring more snow to the Upper Midwest.

Extended Forecast

Outlook for Tue 2/22 – Sat 2/26:

The Western storm will dip further south and east into the Four Corners region with snow expected across portions of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico early in this period. Another storm is possible across the Northwest as well. The East could see a storm during this period, but rain may be an issue for the Northeast U.S., while the Great Lakes Region and Southeast Canada will see better snow chances.