POWDER ALERT- MONTANA, IDAHO, WYOMING, UTAH (WILDCARD)
FRESH OUTLOOK? CHASES MIGHT BE FOCUSED ON MONTANA OR IDAHO MONDAY AND THE WASATCH AND COLORADO TUESDAY?
Latest models show fast moving system with decent moisture will enter Idaho and Montana late tonight through Monday. Heavy snow will break out at the highest elevations around Sun Valley(5-10) after midnight and continue through Monday. Areas in northern Idaho near the Wyoming border near Yellowstone National Park are in the bullseye for 12-15 inches of snow. Southern Montana near Bozeman will see snow at the higher passes through Monday night (6-12 inches). In all areas, snow levels will start out near 7,000 feet (Rain in the valley) and lower with a cold passage late Monday. Don’t expect blower; quality increases by late Monday. Best bets are storm ski Monday and chase south for Tuesday.
The Tetons will see a moisture fetch from Monday morning through midnight. Most snowfall will be under SW flow Monday (4-6) and NW flow Monday evening (2-4). Once winds shift to the NW,Grand Targhee is favored so my bets are higher amounts on the West side of Teton Pass (Monday PM). Snow densities will be medium to heavy on Monday and much lighter by PM. Chase worthy? Yes, but Montana might be deeper.
The Wasatch gains ground on Monday afternoon (Northern Wasatch, Beaver Mountain- Logan) and all zones by Monday evening (Central Wasatch- Alta, Brighton, Snowbird). Expect 5-9 inches at the higher elevations and 2-4 in the lower mountain valleys (Park City) by late Tuesday morning. The Canyons will benefit with slightly higher amounts (4-6) with the NW flow on Tuesday. Snow decreases after noon on Tuesday.
Colorado reaps leftovers early Tuesday morning with snow beginning near Steamboat late and eventually extending down to I-70 by day break. There will be a 3-4 hour window of moderate to heavy snow bringing a quick shot of 4-9 inches to most areas. I am more confident with Winter Park, Steamboat, Copper, and Loveland at this point with Northerly winds. Vail Pass could do well under NW flow that kicks in early in the frontal passage. Chase on Tuesday AM as most snow will be ending by evening. Wednesday could be a bluebird powder day?
Honorable Mention: Whistler has benefited from higher altitude snowfall with over 41 inches in the past 7 days! Don’t expect blower, 9 inches overnight and temps in the mid to upper 20′s this morning at the peak. Also, they just hit the 100 inch mid mountain benchmark last night!
Enjoy the powder and please help us out!
Powderchaser Steve