Deep Pattern for the Northwest and Canada

US and Canada Daily Snow

By Alan Smith, Meteorologist Posted 1 day ago November 13, 2024

Summary

Two strong storms will impact the Northwest over the next 5 days, producing deep snow totals across the Cascades, British Columbia, and Northern Idaho. Tahoe, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana will pick up a few waves of light snow in this pattern. Next week, the West trends drier while the Great Lakes could see some snow. The East is still waiting for a more active pattern.

Short Term Forecast

5-Day Snow Forecast:

The Northwest will get buried over the next 5 days with another 1-4 FEET of snow expected at ski areas in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and Idaho.

Ski resorts with deep forecasts over the next 5 days include...

Forecast for Wed (Nov 13) to Thu (Nov 14):

The first of three storms will bring heavy snow to the Northwest on Wednesday with lighter snow showers on Thursday. Light snow will also extend as far south as Tahoe.

Forecast for Fri (Nov 15) to Sat (Nov 16):

The second storm for the Northwest will reach BC and Washington on Saturday afternoon and Saturday night. A weaker storm will bring light to moderate snow from the Sierra to Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana on Friday and Saturday. Further north, a storm will also bring snow to Alaska.

Forecast for Sun (Nov 17) to Mon (Nov 18):

Heavy snow will continue across the Northwest on Sunday with snow levels down to base areas at most resorts, followed by lighter snow showers on Monday. Some models are hinting at an area of low pressure spinning up over New Mexico with snow showers possible, but not all models are on board with this scenario so confidence is low.

Extended Forecast

Outlook for Tue (Nov 19) to Sat (Nov 23):

A ridge of high pressure will build over Western North America, resulting in a drying trend with warmer temperatures along the coast and up north, while cold air will hold for a bit longer over the Central Rockies. The Southern Rockies could see some snow early in this period but confidence is low.

Storms will favor Northwest BC in this pattern with heavy snow possible pending elevation, while snow levels are likely to rise over time.

As colder air expands eastward, the Great Lakes will have a better chance of picking up some meaningful snowfall. The East looks to stay in a mild pattern with rain possible at times, though colder air may reach the Northeast just beyond this period.

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Friday (November 15).

Alan Smith

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