Conditions Holding Up in Colorado:

Many ski regions have been struggling recently due to a lack of significant snow, above-normal temperatures, or rain (or a combination of all three). However, Colorado has weathered this pattern better than most regions with occasional storms freshening up the slopes, while the state's higher altitude (and thus colder temps) along with the weak December sun angle have preserved snow conditions.

Although snowpack is below average across the state, new terrain has gradually been opening up with each new storm, and snow quality is decent to good in many areas. 

Forecast for Fri (Dec 29) to Sat (Dec 30):

A weak storm will bring light to moderate snow to the Sierra Nevada Range, while the Cascades and BC Coast Range will see a mix of rain and snow showers with high snow levels. A stronger storm further north will bring heavy snow to Southeast Alaska.

Colder air will filter into the east behind a mid-week storm with snow showers developing from the Southern Appalachians to New England. 

Forecast for Sun (Dec 31) to Mon (Jan 1):

A weak storm with colder air will bring light snow showers and lower snow levels to parts of the Northwest, favoring the Northern Cascades and BC Interior. A weak storm is also expected to track along the U.S./Mexico border, and in between these two storms, parts of the Western U.S. may see flurries. 

An unsettled pattern will continue across the Mid-Atlantic with terrain-driven snow showers for the Appalachians, favoring West Virginia. Light snow showers/flurries can also be expected across the Great Lakes.

Forecast for Tue (Jan 2) to Wed (Jan 3):

Weak storms tracking across the Northwest and the Southwest will result in a chance of light snow showers/flurries for some areas, but significant snowfall is not expected. A few lingering flurries are also possible across the higher terrain of the Mid-Atlantic, as well as the Great Lakes. Heavier snowfall is possible in Alaska.

Outlook for Thu (Jan 4) to Mon (Jan 8):

The pattern will gradually become more active as high pressure breaks down across the West, which should open up the door to comparatively stronger and more frequent storms. Confidence is low in the details, but many ski areas that have been dry lately should at least pick up some snow. Temperatures are also going to be cooler.

A more active pattern is also expected across the East with some models hinting at a storm for the Appalachians early in this period. Temperatures are also expected to be colder than average. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Monday (January 1).

Alan Smith 

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