5-Day Snow Forecast:

Two significant storms will impact the West over the weekend...

1) A storm over the Four Corners region will bring 1-2 feet of snow to the San Juan Range in Colorado, including Silverton, Wolf Creek, Purgatory, and Telluride. Other areas expected to pick up 6-12 inches from this storm include Alta, Snowbird, Brian Head, Taos, and Arizona Snowbowl. 

2) An atmospheric river will impact Western Canada and Washington, bringing heavy snow to high-elevation ski terrain in Canada initially. However, warm air moving in on Saturday will result in a changeover to rain at ski resort summits. 

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

Heavy snow will fall over the Four Corners region, with lingering lighter snow on early Friday AM across Wyoming and Southern Montana. Higher terrain in Canada will see significant snowfall on Friday before the changeover to rain occurs on Saturday. 

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

Snow will linger over the Southern Rockies into Sunday. A storm will continue over the Northwest and Western Canada with snow levels remaining high (above most ski resort summits) initially before gradually lowering by Monday.

Forecast for Tue (Oct 22) to Wed (Oct 23):

An overall quiet pattern is expected for many areas. Southern BC/Alberta and the Far Northwest U.S. will hang onto some light snow showers and cooler temperatures, mainly on Tuesday. A modest storm will also bring snow to parts of Alaska. 

Outlook for Thu (Oct 24) to Mon (Oct 28):

The storm track will favor the Northwest for rain/snow opportunities during this period with milder conditions across the Central Rockies. The Northeast could potentially see a storm early in this period with briefly cooler and wetter conditions. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Monday (October 21).

Alan Smith