Huge storm cycle for the West this week

US and Canada Daily Snow

Heads up, there may be fresher snow! Read the latest US and Canada Daily Snow

By Alan Smith, Meteorologist Posted 1 year ago February 20, 2023

Summary

A strong and slow-moving storm will impact nearly the entire West this week with deep snow totals adding up from the PNW to the Rockies to the Sierra. A series of storms will also impact the eastern half of North America, with heavy snow (along with areas of sleet/freezing rain) for parts of the Midwest & Northwest. An active pattern will continue through the end of Feb/early March as well.

Short Term Forecast

Heavy snow for much of the West this week

A powerful storm will work its way from north to south from British Columbia to the Cascades to the Rockies and eventually to the Sierra Nevada Range and Southwest U.S. Most major ski regions will receive deep snow totals and the slow-moving nature of the storm resulting in consecutive powder days for some areas.

Forecast for Mon, Feb 20 – Tue, Feb 21:

Heavy snow will fall across Western Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and the Northern U.S. Rockies on both Monday and Tuesday. Ski resorts in the Cascades, BC Powder Highway, Western Montana, and Tetons will be the most favored. A storm will also move across the Upper Midwest and Northeast with light to moderate snow expected.

Forecast for Wed, Feb 22 – Thu, Feb 23:

The Western storm will continue its southward trek on Wednesday with the focus of heavy snow shifting into Utah, Colorado, Tahoe, and the Southwest. Oregon will also see some nice leftovers as well. Skiing conditions will be outstanding for a large portion of the West during this period.

Meanwhile, a strong storm will move across the Upper Midwest and Northeast with a mixed bag of precipitation expected. Some areas will receive heavy snow, but sleet and freezing rain can also be expected on the southern fringe of the accumulation zone.

Forecast for Fri, Feb 24 – Sat, Feb 25:

Another storm will set up near the California Coast during this period, favoring Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Range for another round of heavy snow with light snow extending into parts of the Central Rockies. Further north, a storm will impact Southeast Alaska and Northwest BC with heavy snow.

Snow showers will linger across the Upper Midwest and New England on Friday before drying out on Saturday.

Extended Forecast

Outlook for Sun, Feb 26 – Thu, Mar 2:

An active pattern will continue across the West during this period with multiple storms expected along with below-average temperatures. The Northern Great Lakes and New England will also be favored for more snow during this period, while the Mid-Atlantic will remain in a mild spring-like pattern.