Snowy pattern for the West

The West will enjoy a late-season powder party this week with heavy snowfall expected over the next 5 days. Oregon and California look to score the deepest snow totals, while Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming will also do very well.

Temperatures will be unseasonably cold for April, which will result in snow levels extending into the lower elevations as well as low-density powder snow that is more typical of mid-winter. 

Forecast for Mon 4/11 – Tue 4/12:

A strong storm is underway across the West and will bring heavy snow to many areas across the coastal ranges and the Rockies on Monday and Tuesday. Tahoe will be hit hard on Monday as will the Oregon Cascades, while Utah and Colorado will see their deepest totals on Monday night and Tuesday. 

Forecast for Wed 4/13 – Thu 4/14:

Lingering snow showers will persist across the Rockies on Wednesday, then the next storm will hit the West Coast on Thursday with heavy snow for the Pacific Northwest, Sierra Nevada, and Tahoe. A strong storm will also impact the Upper Midwest with heavy snow possible across Northern Minnesota.

Forecast for Fri 4/15 – Sat 4/16:

Snow from the previous storm will spread into the Rockies on Thursday night and Friday. Another storm will move into the Western U.S. on Friday night and Saturday with snow possible across the Cascades, Sierra, and the Rockies, though confidence is low on the storm track at this time. 

Outlook for Sun 4/17 – Thu 4/21:

The West may see a brief lull in the pattern early in this period, then an active pattern will quickly return with storms favoring the Pacific Northwest, Northern Rockies, and possibly the Sierra. Colder temperatures will also return to the East with the potential for some high elevation snow (mixed with rain) at times across the Appalachians and New England.

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Wednesday (4/13).

ALAN SMITH

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