Pattern Favors the Northwest and Northern Rockies

US and Canada Daily Snow

Heads up, there may be fresher snow! Read the latest US and Canada Daily Snow

By Alan Smith, Meteorologist Posted 2 days ago December 16, 2024

Summary

A storm last weekend produced deep snowfall across the Sierra, Northwest, and Northern Rockies. The pattern will stay active early this week with a storm for the Northwest and Northern Rockies on Monday-Tuesday, followed by another storm for Western Canada on Tuesday-Wednesday. The Northeast will see rain early this week, followed by a good chance of snow late in the week.

Short Term Forecast

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5-Day Snow Forecast:

More storms are on the way for the West early this week, with northern areas favored for the deepest totals. Warmer air arriving on Tuesday and Wednesday will result in a changeover from snow to rain at ski resorts in the Cascades, while most ski terrain (mid to upper elevations) will stay all-snow in Canada and in the Northern U.S. Rockies.

Favored ski areas in this pattern include...

For more details, check out these discussions from our local experts...

Forecast for Mon (Dec 16) to Tue (Dec 17):

A storm will move across the Northwest and Northern Rockies, with heavy snow favoring the Cascades, Central Idaho, and Western Wyoming. Lighter snow will fall further south. Warmer air arriving on Tuesday will also result in a changeover from rain to snow at Cascade ski resorts.

Later on Tuesday, a strong storm will impact the Northwest and Canada with rain expected at ski areas in Washington, while British Columbia will receive heavy snow.

The East will also undergo a warm-up on Monday with light mixed precipitation for some areas early on Monday giving way to rain.

Forecast for Wed (Dec 18) to Thu (Dec 19):

Heavy snow will fall across British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies on Wednesday, while far northern portions of the U.S. will see light snow. This storm will reach the Great Lakes region by Thursday with snow expected.

The East will also see a storm with snow likely for the Northern Mid-Atlantic and New England in the colder sector, while the Southern Mid-Atlantic will see rain in the warmer sector.

Forecast for Fri (Dec 20) to Sat (Dec 21):

The Western Contiguous U.S. will see a break in the pattern with warmer and drier conditions, while a storm will bring heavy snow to Alaska. Western BC could also see light snow or rain.

A colder airmass will take hold across the East, and another storm is possible though confidence is low.

Extended Forecast

Outlook for Sun (Dec 22) to Thu (Dec 26):

Mild temperatures are expected across the West, but the pattern is trending more active with storms likely for the Northwest and Northern Rockies. The Sierra and Central Rockies could also get in on the action at times.

The East will see a colder pattern with additional snow chances, though confidence is low in whether or not there will be any significant storms, or if it will be more of a snow shower setup.

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Wednesday (December 18).

Alan Smith

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