The lack of snow last week frustrated a few folks in Colorado. They took to the streets in protest.

We skiers and snowboarders could use the humor since we've been sad due to the above-average temperatures and below-average snowfall during the last week. 

And, despite a strong start for the northwest with lots of high-elevation snow in October, the last few weeks of drier and warmer weather have taken their toll on the snowpack. British Columbia and Alberta Canada are still looking at near-average snowpack at the higher elevations, but otherwise, most of the US has a meager snowpack.

Well … I have some good news.

This week will we see a cold storm move across the western US and Canada, bringing  a few inches to a foot of snow, with the highest amounts falling in the areas that are furthest north.

Much of this snow will fall during the middle week across the west, and while this one storm won’t jump start winter, it will help to change the weather pattern into one that is more favorable for frequent spells of cold air and snowfall across North America.

Snowfall from next weekend through early Thanksgiving week will favor the northwest (again), and will also ease into New England.

During the last 7-ish days of November, and into early December, the ‘ storm door’ should be open, allowing systems to move into the US and Canada from the Pacific Ocean with more regularity than we’ve experienced during the last few weeks.

Does this mean that all areas of North America will start seeing monster storms? No – we can’t forecast the track of a storm more than 7-10 days away.

But this change in the pattern during late November and early December could be the start of a new, winter-like weather pattern that is what we hope for as skiers and riders. Do your snow dance and think positive (snowy) thoughts!

Thanks for reading and look for my next update on Wednesday, November 16th.

JOEL GRATZ