Deep November for Alaska:

Southeast Alaska has been the place to be for early-season snow this year as multiple strong storms have slammed the Chugach Range over the past 10 days. The lowlands have been hit hard as well, as the Anchorage Airport has received 38 inches of snow so far in November.

The early season snowpack is setting up nicely for opening day at Alyeska on November 25. Check out the "above-the-clouds" view from Alyeska during a break in the pattern on Tuesday.

Clear skies and snowy peaks could also be seen from Thompson Pass on Tuesday.

The break in the pattern will be short-lived for Alaska, as more storms are on track in the days ahead...

Forecast for Wed (Nov 15) to Thu (Nov 16):

The strongest storm will favor Southeast Alaska with more heavy snow expected for the coastal ranges, along with low snow levels. A fast-moving storm will bring a quick shot of light snow to Southern BC, before intensifying just south of the border with locally heavy snow possible across NW Montana.

An area of low pressure spinning off the California Coast will send some moisture and energy into California with light showers expected. However, snow levels will be quite high with accumulations limited to the higher peaks of the Sierra.

A weak storm will also move inland across Utah and Colorado with light snow expected.

Forecast for Fri (Nov 17) to Sat (Nov 18):

Another strong storm will impact Southeast Alaska, though this storm will be centered a bit further south than the last one with heavy snow also developing across Northwest BC. A weakening storm will make landfall in California with light to moderate snow showers for the Sierra, but this storm will fizzle out as it moves eastward on Saturday with only light snow showers at best for Utah and Colorado.

A storm will also impact the Northeast with mostly rain expected, but a cold front arriving toward the end of the storm could result in a brief change-over to snow across Northern New England.

Forecast for Sun (Nov 19) to Mon (Nov 20):

A storm is likely to impact a larger portion of the West during this period, but models are in poor agreement in terms of the storm track and overall strength of the storm. The Northwest and the Rockies are best positioned to pick up at least some snow, and some lucky areas may even see moderate to heavy snow.

Across the East, a disturbance arriving from the northwest may produce light snow showers across Northern New England with a colder airmass in place. 

Outlook for Tue (Nov 21) to Sat (Nov 25):

The pattern is trending warmer and drier for the West heading into Thanksgiving weekend, although models are hinting at a possible storm moving across the Northwest and the Northern/Central Rockies around Thanksgiving Day. 

The East, on the other hand, is trending toward a colder pattern with improved snowmaking conditions along with increasing odds for natural snow. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Friday (November 17).

Alan Smith