5-Day Snow Forecast:

The first significant weather event in nearly a month will impact the West over the coming days. This incoming storm will bring accumulating snow to ski areas in Canada, the Pacific Northwest, and the Rockies along with a dramatic cooldown following weeks of unseasonable warmth. 

The heaviest snow totals in the Western U.S. are expected in the San Juans of Southwest Colorado this weekend. Also, the higher terrain of BC and Alberta will see a second round of snow this weekend, which will be heavy initially though an eventual changeover to rain is expected. 

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

A cold front will sweep across the West with snow developing in the Cascades and Western Canada on Wednesday, before reaching the U.S. Rockies on Thursday. Some ski areas will start out as rain at mid to upper elevations before changing over to snow behind the cold front.

Across the East, light snow will linger across New England, and to a lesser extent the higher terrain of West Virginia and North Carolina, before drying out on Thursday. Temperatures will remain below average during this stretch.

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

The storm will continue to track to the south and east, bringing heavy snow to Utah on Friday and to Colorado on Saturday. Ski resorts in the Wasatch Range (Utah) and San Juan Range (Colorado) are in line to see the deepest totals, while heavy snow is also likely in the Uintas (UT), Wind Rivers (WY), and Beartooths (WY/MT). Accumulating snow will also extend southward into Arizona and New Mexico. 

A storm involving an atmospheric river will impact Western Canada, bringing heavy snow to coastal and interior ranges. However, temperatures will be trending warmer and snow levels will rise over time, with snow changing to rain at the summits of most ski areas by Saturday. 

Across the East, dry and sunny conditions will prevail along with warmer temperatures. In other words, perfect fall weather!

Forecast for Sun (Oct 20) to Mon (Oct 21):

The Western U.S. storm will linger over the Colorado Rockies into Sunday with additional snow expected across mountain ranges along and west of the Continental Divide. A storm will continue to impact Canada with colder air arriving on Monday, resulting in snow levels lowering to mid-mountain at many ski areas.

Outlook for Tue (Oct 22) to Sat (Oct 26):

Most of the Western U.S. will see a return to above-average temperatures, though not as warm compared to prior weeks. Below-average temperatures will prevail across the Pacific Northwest and Canada, and this region will also be favored for additional storms and snow potential. 

The East will see a mild pattern with above-average temperatures and limited precipitation potential. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Friday (October 18).

Alan Smith