Current Conditions

Multiple storms hit the west coast and Pacific Northwest during the first half of October, which has resulted in a healthy snowpack for this time of the year.

This map shows the estimated amount of snow on the ground.

The higher elevations of California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana are measuring 1-3 FEET.

Most of the higher mountains of British Columbia and Alberta (Canada) are measuring 2-4 FEET.

For visual proof of the recent snow, here is a picture from Whistler, where their mid-mountain base depth is already approaching 2 FEET!

This amount of snow in the northwest is above average for this time of the season, which is good news!

Short Term Forecast

From October 20 through the 26th, we’ll see additional storms in the northwest, and the northeast will also get snow, their first major storm of the season.

The storm in the northeast should drop snow during the weekend of October 22-23, with the rain/snow line around 2,000 feet or so. Amounts could top 1 FOOT in the higher elevations of New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

In the west, storms will deliver snow to Canada nearly continuously, while in the lower 48 states, the snow will return early next week.

Extended Outlook

Speaking of the final week in October, the long-range forecast shows that the month will end with the coolest air sticking to the coasts.

One area of storminess should keep temperatures cool along the west coast, while the northeast slowly warms up toward the final days of October.

It’s great to see snowfall and cold temperatures in the forecast models, and powder days are getting every closer!

Thanks for reading, and stay tuned for updates every few days!

JOEL GRATZ

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