The storm track this week will be similar to last week. A ridge over the western US will force storms northward into the Pacific Northwest and the northern Rockies, and then the storm track will drop south and east toward the east coast.

Snow will continue to fall over the northwest, but warmer temperatures will mean higher snow levels and thicker powder.

In the northeast, a strong storm will drop heavy snow on most mountains from the mid-Atlantic through New England on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The OpenSnow Powder Finder shows snow forecast totals in the 10-20 inch range. The track of the storm is still uncertain, but we try to average many models to smooth out the uncertainty.

In short, if you want to chase powder this week, head to eastern New England!

The weather pattern after this week, from about March 18-22, should remain chilly over the northeast while the west experiences very warm conditions with highs in the 40s and 50s at many mountains.

This weather pattern should change starting around March 22-23, and the final 7 days of March should bring more snow to the western US. Until then, all eyes are on the northwest and especially northeast!

JOEL GRATZ

The Chase

Powderchaser Steve is forecasting each week so you know when and where to find the best powder days across the western US. Follow him here: http://opensnow.com/dailysnow/chase