Messy Storm for the Northwest:

Most of North America is experiencing a spring-like pattern right now with mild and dry conditions. However, a strong storm featuring a plume of subtropical moisture has been impacting the Northwest since last weekend, and this pattern is continuing early this week. 

The arrival of warm air is resulting in a transition to rain for most ski resorts in the Cascades and Southern British Columbia, while areas along the BC Coast Range from Whistler north are on the colder side of a stalled cold front with lower snow levels. The cold front will eventually move east late Monday and into early Tuesday with falling snow levels and a changeover to snow at ski resorts across the PNW and Western Canada.

Forecast for Mon, Apr 10 – Tue, Apr 11:

Heavy rain and high snow levels can be expected across the Northwest during the day on Monday, with falling snow levels and moderate (to locally heavy) snow showers expected behind the front on Tuesday. Western and Northwest BC will be colder throughout this period with lower snow levels expected.

Elsewhere, the Sierra and the Central/Southern Rockies will remain in a sunny/warm pattern with spring skiing conditions in full effect. The East and Midwest will remain in a mostly dry pattern as well.

Forecast for Wed, Apr 12 – Thu, Apr 13:

The Northwest storm will slowly work its way east and southeast into the Northern Rockies with light to moderate snow developing across Montana, Wyoming, and to a lesser extent Northern Utah. Snow showers will also linger across the Cascades and Western Canada. 

Forecast for Fri, Apr 14 – Sat, Apr 15:

The storm will slide southward into the Central Rockies during this period with snow showers expected across Wyoming and Colorado. The PNW and most of BC/Alberta will start to dry out during this period, though further north a strong storm is expected to impact Alaska. A storm will also reach the Upper Midwest during this period with rain and snow expected. 

Outlook for Sun, Apr 16 – Thu, Apr 20:

The dominant storm track looks to favor Western and Northern BC during this period with heavy snow (elevation-dependent) possible. A weaker storm is also projected to break off from the main northern storm track and work its way into the Western U.S. at some point during this period. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Wednesday (April 12).

ALAN SMITH