Western storm to bring snow to all major ski regions this week

A slow-moving storm is impacting the Pacific Northwest early this week and will work its way south and east as the week progresses. The center of the storm will move into California/Nevada and bring moderate to heavy snow to Tahoe before moving into the Four Corners region and impacting the Southern & Central Rockies.

However, all major mountain ranges of the West will see snow, and an abundance of moisture and energy moving away from the center of the storm will also favor heavy snow across parts of the Inland Northwest and Northern Rockies. 

Forecast for Mon 10/31 – Tue 11/1:

On Monday, heavy snow will fall across the mid to higher elevations in Southern BC, while most ski resorts in Washington & Oregon will see rain. On Tuesday, a cold front will arrive with rain changing over to snow in the Northwest and snow will also develop across Northern California and Tahoe. 

Forecast for Wed 11/2 – Thu 11/3:

Tuesday night and Wednesday morning looks like the prime window for snow in Tahoe, then snow will also develop throughout the Rockies during the day on Wednesday and into Thursday. The storm's energy will be splitting apart with Southern Utah & Colorado and Northern Montana & Idaho seeing some of the deepest accumulations. Heavy snow will also move back into Alaska and Northwest BC as the next storm approaches.

Forecast for Fri 11/4 – Sat 11/5:

The storm will linger across the Southern Rockies on Friday with Colorado and New Mexico being the most favored. Meanwhile, the next storm will impact the Northwest and Northern Rockies on Friday and Saturday. Snow levels will rise on Friday, possibly above ski resort summits in the Cascades, due to warm air arriving. However, colder air is expected to arrive on Saturday with rain changing back to snow at most ski resorts.  

Outlook for Sun 11/6 – Mon 11/10:

The storm track is expected to favor the Northwest, Tahoe, and Northern Rockies during this period while Northern Utah looks to be right on the edge. High pressure over the Southern Rockies will likely result in drier conditions across Colorado & New Mexico though light snow can't be ruled out at some point during this period.

The first major cold snap of the season is also possible across Alberta, Interior BC, and Northern Montana during this period, while the East will remain in a warmer-than-average pattern with no snow expected. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Wednesday (11/2).

ALAN SMITH

Estimated Snow Reports

If ski resort locations are closed or do not provide OpenSnow with an official snow report, we use our proprietary weather data to provide an estimated snow report for the past 24 hours. Check for the "Estimated" badge on the OpenSnow app and website.

Below is an example that we pulled from Aspen Highlands last week. Reality on the left (9") and our estimated snow report on the right (9")...

This also applies to any backcountry location or "custom location", meaning that you can get an idea of recent snow conditions and an estimated snowfall history for your favorite backcountry spots.

This data is available exclusively to All-Access subscribers. Snow reports that are provided to OpenSnow from the ski resorts will always be free.