5-Day Snow Forecast:

The extended almost summer-like pattern across the West will soon be coming to an end as a strong cold front arrives, reaching the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday and Colorado on Friday. Most ski resorts in the West will pick up at least a couple of inches of snow, with localized totals of 10+ inches possible. 

Some of the highest snowfall forecasts for ski resorts over the next 5 days (through Friday) include Alta, Snowbird, Big Sky, Red Lodge, Timberline, Alpental, and Whistler. Over the weekend (just beyond 5 days), moderate to heavy snow will be possible in Colorado. 

Forecast for Mon (Oct 14) to Tue (Oct 15):

The week will start out on the warmer side across the West as the leading edge of the storm reaches the Pacific Northwest, bringing rain to most areas as snow levels will be very high initially (above ski resort summits).

A weak disturbance will also bring scattered light showers to the Four Corners region, but any snow will be confined to the highest peaks given the warm airmass in place.

Across the East, a cold front is moving through on Monday morning and a storm system is also developing over the Northeast. This will result in snow across Northern New England with the potential for impressive accumulations in favored areas such as Jay Peak, where we are forecasting 6-12 inches.

Moisture will also reach the Great Lakes and the Central/Southern Appalachians. Most areas will see a cold rain, but the higher peaks of the Appalachians (WV & NC) will pick up some light snow on Tuesday, and wet snow will also mix in at times over the Northern Great Lakes. 

Forecast for Wed (Oct 16) to Thu (Oct 17):

A cold front will sweep across the West during this period with snow developing in the Cascades, Western Canada, and U.S. Rockies. Light snow is also possible across the Sierra around Tahoe. Lingering snow showers will continue over Northern New England early on Wednesday, before drying out later in this period.

Forecast for Fri (Oct 18) to Sat (Oct 19):

Snow will continue across the U.S. Rockies with parts of Utah and Wyoming favored for the highest amounts. The San Juans in Colorado could also see increasing snowfall on Saturday. 

A strong storm involving an atmospheric river is likely to impact Western Canada, bringing heavy high-elevation snow. However, snow levels will also be rising over time as warmer air arrives, possibly reaching ski resort summits by Saturday. 

Outlook for Sun (Oct 20) to Thu (Oct 24):

A storm will linger over Colorado into Sunday with the potential for respectable snow accumulations. Once this storm clears out, the Central Rockies will trend toward a milder pattern, while a more active storm track will remain over the Pacific Northwest with more snow and rain possible.

The East will transition to a warmer and drier pattern as a ridge of high pressure builds over the region.

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Wednesday (October 16).

Alan Smith