Extreme winds and heavy snow are beginning to fall over the Sierra on Saturday morning. Strong winds and significant snow are also falling in the Cascades and western BC. While deep totals will be found initially on Saturday, strong winds continue. Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah grab decent leftovers Miday Saturday to Sunday. 12-18 inches are likely in many areas. Chase wisely due to the wind.

Freezing temperatures have returned. This week has brought a nasty combination of rain and ice to areas below the snow level, but snowpack was building above 2000' in the maritime mountains. Friday and Saturday will be mostly clear in the Chugach and Kenai Mts. The Talkeetnas pick up new snow on Sunday with clearing on Monday-Tuesday.