One more big storm for the Central Rockies

A powerful storm will bring yet another period of heavy snow to Utah, who is already experiencing its deepest winter on record. The storm will also bring moderate to heavy snow to the Colorado Rockies, while southerly and easterly winds will transport moisture into Central/Eastern Wyoming as well as the Black Hills in South Dakota, where heavy snow and strong winds can be expected. 

Forecast for Mon, Apr 3 – Tue, Apr 4:

Heavy snow will fall across the Central Rockies during this period while lingering moisture further west will result in lighter snow showers across the Sierra and the Cascades. The leading edge of the Rockies storm will reach the Upper Midwest on Tuesday with mixed precipitation expected. Two weaker disturbances will also bring light rain and snow showers to the Northeast. 

Forecast for Wed, Apr 5 – Thu, Apr 6:

Lingering light snow showers will remain possible across the Rockies during this period along with unseasonably cold temperatures for early April. A storm will also reach the West Coast of Canada during this time with heavy snow from the Central BC Coast Range up to Alaska, while the Cascades will see lighter snow along with rising snow levels as warmer air arrives. 

A strong storm will impact the Upper Midwest/Great Lakes on Wednesday with a mix of rain, thunderstorms, ice, and snow. The storm will reach the East on Wednesday night and Thursday with mostly rain expected, though Northern New England could potentially see some ice mixed in.

Forecast for Fri, Apr 7 – Sat, Apr 8:

The big story during this period will be spring-like conditions arriving out West with warmer temperatures along with dry and sunny conditions from the Sierra to the Central Rockies as a ridge of high pressure takes control. A storm is expected to move over the top of the ridge with rain and snow developing across the Northwest and Northern Rockies, with warmer air resulting in rising snow levels. Snow can also be expected further north in Alaska. 

The East will also see a relatively quiet pattern overall, though some flurries may be possible across the Great Lakes and New England, while the Southern Appalachians could see some rain showers on Saturday. 

Outlook for Sun, Apr 9 – Thu, Apr 13:

If you're in the mood for spring skiing, then this will be your pattern as high pressure remains in control across the West. Temperatures will warm up significantly from prior weeks as well and are expected to be above average across the entire West for the first time in a long time. The main storm track will shift further north into Northern BC and Alaska where snow can be expected.

The East will see cooler temperatures during this period with occasional shots of rain expected. It's possible some high-elevation snow could mix in at times, but nothing significant is expected. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Wednesday (April 5).

ALAN SMITH