Outstanding start to the season out West

Numerous early-season storms along with consistently cold temperatures have resulted in outstanding early-season skiing conditions across much of the West. For most areas, snowpack is above average as of December 4th, and more storms are expected over the next couple of weeks. 

While it will not be snowing every day for every single area, the pattern out West will remain active overall this week with new storms arriving on a relatively frequent basis – some of which will produce heavy snowfall. Check out the projected 7-day snowfall totals from one of the major weather models we look at.

Forecast for Monday, Dec 5 – Tuesday, Dec 6:

Lingering snow can be expected across Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Range early this week, while Utah and Colorado will also see snow with heavy totals possible across portions of Western Colorado. Further north, there will be less moisture and energy to work with, with lighter snow showers across the Northern Rockies and Cascades. 

Another rain event can be expected across the East with a little bit of snow for Northern Michigan/Minnesota, while more widespread snow will fall north of the Canadian border in Ontario and Quebec.

Forecast for Wednesday, Dec 8 – Thursday, Dec 9:

Another round of snow is expected across the Southwest on Wednesday and Thursday with West and Southwest Colorado scoring the deepest totals, while Northern Arizona and New Mexico should get in on the action as well. A stronger storm will reach the Northwest on Thursday with heavy snow for the BC Coast Range and Washington Cascades. 

The Eastern U.S. will remain in a rainy pattern during this period with meaningful snow chances largely confined to areas well north of the Canadian border.

Forecast for Friday, Dec 10 – Saturday, Dec 11:

Back-to-back stronger storms are expected across the West as we close out the week. Confidence is low in terms of the storm tracks, but some areas are likely to see heavy snow. A storm will also impact the East with a mix of rain and snow expected, but confidence is low here as well.

Forecast for Sunday, Dec 11 – Thursday, Dec 15:

An active pattern is likely to continue across the West with additional storms expected along with below-average temperatures for most areas. The East should also see an active pattern with somewhat cooler temperatures possible, but it will likely continue to be a borderline pattern for snow versus rain. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Wednesday (Dec 7).

ALAN SMITH