More snow out West during the first week of January

Winter is off to a big start across the West thanks to consistent, abundant snow in November and December. Check out the percent of average snowpack across the Western U.S. as of December 31:

North of the border, snowpack is not as impressive in Canada as storms have had a tendency to track too far south. However, some southern areas such as Whitewater and Fernie enjoyed abundant snowfall in December.

As we head into the first week of 2023, an active pattern will continue across the West. Initially, storms will favor the Sierra and the Central/Southern Rockies. By late in the week, the potential for significant snowfall will also increase over the Pacific Northwest.

Forecast for Mon, Jan 2 – Tue, Jan 3:

A storm will impact the Rockies on Monday with the deepest totals expected across Colorado and Southern Wyoming, followed by additional lighter snow showers on Tuesday. A weaker storm will also bring more snow to the Sierra, while the Cascades will see light snow showers on the northern edge. Further north, a strong storm will impact Alaska.

A strong storm will impact the Upper Midwest with a mix of snow, rain, and ice expected, though some areas of Minnesota and the Lake Superior region could see heavy snow. Across the East, a rain event is expected on Tuesday while some areas of Northern New England could see freezing rain.

Forecast for Wed, Jan 4 – Thu, Jan 5:

A strong storm will impact the Sierra Nevada Range during this period with deep snow totals along with lower snow levels compared to recent storms. Idaho should also see some good snowfall from this storm, while the Pacific Northwest will see lighter totals.

Across the East, rain and areas of sleet/freezing rain will change over to snow showers on Thursday as colder air arrives on the backside of the storm. 

Forecast for Fri, Jan 6 – Sat, Jan 7:

Snow will fall across the Central Rockies on Friday, then another storm will reach the West Coast on Saturday with heavy snow for the Sierra. The Cascades and BC Coast Range should also pick up heavy snow from Saturday's storm.

Snow showers will linger across the East on Friday, while another storm will reach the Upper Midwest on Saturday with snow showers expected.

Outlook for Sun, Jan 8 – Thu, Jan 12:

The storm track during this period will favor the Sierra, Cascades, and Idaho with milder temperatures and less snow for the Central Rockies. The Northeast could see another round of snow showers move through on Sunday (Jan 8), then a milder pattern with above-average temperatures is expected to resume.

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

ALAN SMITH