Thankfully, the bulk of the rain has finally left the region with colder temps, snowmaking, and lake effect snow making a comeback over the next 7-10+ days! Totals in the lake effect snow belts will likely creep into the double digits by Sunday, which means powder turns and much improved groomers for this upcoming weekend, if not sooner.

As of Monday morning, the cold front had moved into most areas, with general snow totals in the 7-14 inch range from the PNW into Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado. Additional waves of energy focus on the Cascade Ranges of Oregon, which will eventually push north into Washington Midweek. The Rockies grab the leftovers. Both midweek and late week have the highest odds. The Sierra is a wildcard.

An active pattern will continue this week with frequent storms bringing heavy snow to the Cascades and Northern Rockies. A similar pattern may continue into next week as well. Sustained cold will reach the East after New Year's with increasing snowfall potential over the next 1-2 weeks.