Impressive April storm cycle for the PNW

An extremely powerful storm hit the Northwest early this week, producing deep snow totals along with cold temperatures and low snow levels, though high winds were also an issue during the heart of the storm.

Some of the deepest preliminary two-day snow totals from Sunday through Tuesday include 41 inches at Mt. Baker, 38 inches at White Pass, 32 inches at Whistler, 32 inches at Cypress Mountain, 28 inches at Mt. Bachelor, 25 inches at Mt. Hood Meadows, and 15 inches at Revelstoke. Across the Northern and Central Rockies, favored areas received 5-10 inches of snow. 

Forecast for Wed 4/6 – Thu 4/7:

Conditions will dry out across the West on Wednesday and Thursday as a ridge of high pressure builds. The next storm will hit further north with heavy snow across Southeast Alaska and Northwest BC. A strong storm will also impact the Upper Midwest with a mix of rain and snow, including heavy snow for Northern Minnesota.

Forecast for Fri 4/8 – Sat 4/9:

The next storm out west will bring snow to the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies on Friday and Saturday with heavy snow possible across portions of the Cascades and Coastal BC. A cold and wet storm will also impact the East with high elevation snow at times across the Appalachians and New England, especially on Saturday. 

Forecast for Sun 4/10 – Mon 4/11:

Snow will continue over the Northwest on Sunday with the focus shifting into the Central Rockies on Monday. Higher elevations of the Eastern U.S. could see some lingering snow on Sunday followed by warmer and drier conditions on Monday.

Outlook for Tue 4/12 – Sat 4/16:

The Central Rockies should continue to pick up snow around Tuesday-Wednesday with Colorado likely being the most favored area. A stormy pattern could then return to the Northwest late in this period. Temperatures will be colder than average throughout the West next week.

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Friday (4/8).

ALAN SMITH

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