An active pattern is setting up across the West for the holiday season with heavy snow for the Northwest in particular. Utah & Colorado will see frequent shots of light to moderate snow, while California and Oregon resorts will see both rain and snow with warmer air creeping in. The East will see a quiet pattern with a gradual warming trend, then colder air will arrive after the New Year.

Happy Christmas Eve! Santa is leaving the Sierra ahead of schedule. 5-10 inches fell over the Sierra Range on Tuesday. A potent storm is headed for the BC coast and will slam the PNW with several feet of snow, strong winds, and rising snow levels on Wednesday/Thursday. There are many red flags. The Rockies grab heavier snow from Friday to Sunday!

Yes, sadly, liquid precip remains on track for later this week: nearly an exact repeat of last year at this time. One upside to rain is that lift lines are likely shorter and there may be some soft, playful, springlike snow to enjoy - I am just trying to stay positive!