An impressive start to November for the West

November is off to a snowy start across the West as multiple storms have delivered the goods to ski regions across the Sierra, Cascades, and Rockies. The Cascades and Southern BC received impressive snowfall (and low snow levels) early this week, while a more significant storm has produced heavy snow across Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Range over the past couple of days. Snow is picking up across the Rockies this week, too.

Check out the scene from Sierra at Tahoe on Tuesday afternoon, where heavy snow was falling with accumulations adding up nicely.

The West will see a break in the pattern this weekend and next week, but very cold air will also settle into place, resulting in good snowmaking conditions as resorts prepare to open up for the season.

Forecast for Wed 11/9 – Thu 11/10:

Snow will be winding down across California and Southern Oregon on Wednesday as the action shifts inland with moderate to heavy snow across Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado. Backside snow showers will linger across the Central Rockies on Thursday as well.

Further north, a strong storm will impact the coastal ranges of Alaska with heavy snow expected.

Forecast for Fri 11/11 – Sat 11/12:

The Western U.S. will dry out during this period while a storm impacts Northwest BC & Alaska with possibly some light snow reaching the Canadian Rockies (low confidence). A storm will also impact the Great Lakes region during this period with snow for Northern Minnesota and Ontario on Thursday night and Friday, while Wisconsin and Michigan will see more rain than snow.

Tropical Storm (and likely future Hurricane) Nicole will make landfall in Florida this week before swinging northward into the Eastern U.S. Moisture associated with this storm will result in heavy rain throughout the Appalachians on Friday and Saturday. 

Forecast for Sun 11/13 – Mon 11/14:

A strong cold front will move across the East during this period, with snow showers likely to develop across the Great Lakes and New England with light to moderate accumulations possible. Across the West, one or two weak storms could potentially arrive during this time with light snow possible for some areas, but confidence is low at this time and the pattern will not be conducive to significant snow. 

Outlook for Tue 11/15 – Sat 11/19:

Below-average temperatures are expected across nearly the entire Lower 48 and Southern Canada next week, except along the Northwest Coast where temperatures will begin to moderate. In terms of snowfall, the storm track will be most favorable across the Great Lakes and New England. Out West, occasional weak storms will be possible but the pattern will not be favorable for significant snow.

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

ALAN SMITH