Pattern Favors Alaska and the Southwest

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 11 months ago December 22, 2023

Summary

Storms will continue to regularly hit Alaska heading into the holiday weekend, while the Western U.S. and Southern Canada will also see a storm Friday-Saturday with the Southern Rockies favored for the deepest totals. Next week's pattern looks more active in the Northwest but rain could be an issue at times.

Short Term Forecast

Alaska Powder:

Alaska has had a strong start to the season with frequent storms and heavy snowfall. Alyeska has already received 300 inches this season at its upper mountain, and Eaglecrest (outside of Juneau) just opened for the season on Wednesday with 9 inches of fresh powder.

Forecast for Fri (Dec 22) to Sat (Dec 23):

Two storms will impact the West during this period with a trend toward colder temperatures and lowering snow levels. The deepest snow totals can be expected from Southeast Alaska into Coastal BC, while the Four Corners region will also do well, including Southwest Colorado and Northern Arizona.

Forecast for Sun (Dec 24) to Mon (Dec 25):

Snow will linger across the Central and Eastern Rockies on Sunday followed by a drying trend on Christmas Day (Mon, Dec 25). Meanwhile, the next series of storms will take aim at the Northwest with deep snow totals expected across Southeast Alaska. Snow is also expected to develop across Southwest BC and the WA/OR Cascades at some point on Monday.

Forecast for Tue (Dec 26) to Wed (Dec 27):

Storms will favor Western BC and Southwest Alaska during this period, with the potential for deep snow totals at Whistler's mid to upper mountain. The Cascades and Southern BC Coast Range (near Vancouver) will see warmer temperatures and rain could be an issue as a result.

The East will also see another rain event during this period following several days of dry weather.

Extended Forecast

Outlook for Thu (Dec 28) to Mon (Jan 1):

The storm track will continue to favor Alaska as we close out 2023, while the rest of North America looks hit or miss for storms at best. California is one area we need to watch as models have been in poor agreement on whether or not storms will start to arrive with more regularity, or if a drier pattern will prevail.

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Monday (December 25).

Alan Smith

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