Colorado Goes Deep

A powerful storm hit Colorado over the weekend with double-digit snow totals adding up at ski resorts across central and northern portions of the state. A-Basin became the first Western U.S. ski resort to open over the weekend as well! 

Snowmass appears to be the big winner from the weekend storm with a storm total of 25 inches reported as of Sunday morning.

Cold Temps and Light Snow Ahead for the East

The East will see a rather dramatic flip from unseasonable warmth to winter-like cold early this week as a powerful cold front sweeps across the region.

A few rounds of light snow showers can also be expected from the Great Lakes to the higher elevations of the Appalachians from New England to West Virginia with up to a few inches of snow possible in some areas through early Thursday.

Forecast for Mon (Oct 30) to Tue (Oct 31):

A cold front moving across the Northeast will result in widespread rain for the lower elevations, while the higher terrain of New England, New York, and Quebec will see a changeover to snow showers as colder air filters in behind the front. 

A secondary disturbance arriving behind the main system will also bring snow showers to the Great Lakes region. 

Forecast for Wed (Nov 1) to Thu (Nov 2):

A disturbance will move across the Northeast with snow showers developing from New England to West Virginia. Although light amounts are expected for the most part, snow levels will be relatively low with a cold airmass in place.

Out west, the next storm will make landfall in the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday night and Thursday. Warm air will be involved with this storm, resulting in high snow levels and rain for ski resorts in the Cascades while higher elevation ski terrain in the BC and the Northern U.S. Rockies will pick up some snow. 

Forecast for Fri (Nov 3) to Sat (Nov 4):

An active pattern will continue across the Northwest during this period though temperatures will remain on the warmer side of normal. Higher elevations in the Northern Rockies will have the best chance of picking up significant snow (depending on the storm track).

Closer to the coast, snow will largely be confined to the higher elevations of the Cascades with rain being the dominant precipitation type at ski resorts.

Outlook for Sun (Nov 5) to Thu (Nov 9):

An active pattern is expected across the West heading into next week. Temperatures are still projected to be on the milder side of average, but should cool off a bit compared to prior days which could mean a better chance of snow (rather than just rain) at ski resorts in the Northwest.

The Northern and Central Rockies should also pick up some snow during this pattern, though confidence in the details is low.

Across the East, a chilly airmass will remain in place with more opportunities for snow across the Great Lakes and into New England. Below-average temperatures should also result in favorable snowmaking conditions.

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Wednesday (November 1).

Alan Smith