The early ski season is off to a great start, but we have a less favorable pattern ahead for snow during the first 10-14 days of December. Most ski areas will be dry with pleasant skiing conditions thru Wed with a mix of sun and clouds. Snow conditions will be best in the Interior. The pattern turns more active Thu-Sun but rain could be an issue for many ski areas, especially in the Coast Range.

High pressure will take firm control of the west over the next few weeks, pushing storms north into Canada. A few systems, albeit on the weak side, will trickle some moisture into the northern Rockies. When can we see a pattern change?

A cold airmass will settle over Eastern North America with lake effect snow showers expected this weekend and into early next week. Deep totals are expected in some areas of Michigan and Western New York, while Northern Vermont will also do well. The Western U.S. will enter an extended dry period as the storm track lifts into Northern British Columbia.