POWDER ALERT- High Sierra, Idaho, Tetons on watch!

Synopsis: Temperatures have been some of the warmest for early February on record in the West! Reno broke records yesterday with high 60’s. Interior BC is getting hammered with deep snow! The East Coast has been colder than average with Blower snow (Another 6-8 inches likely late this weekend in southern New England). The West is going to be under a heavy deluge of rain at lower elevations and heavy mountain snow over the next several day. Central Idaho near Sun Valley may see extensive amounts of snow at the highest peaks with leftovers hitting the Tetons mid day Saturday (3-6). Another storm impacts the Tetons on Monday which shows higher amounts. We would like to thank Loaded Boards as our official Powder Alert Sponsor and a new line of snowboards!

Sierra: Heavy rain will be falling late today through Saturday below 8,000 feet (Mix at 7500 feet). Snow will be piling up above 8,000 feet with 8:1 snow ratios (8 inches of snow for 1 inch of water). Expect 15-20 inches at the highest peaks by late Saturday morning. Some break expected (light precipitation) mid Saturday through Sunday morning. Heavy precipitation returns to the Sierra Sunday/Monday followed by some colder air! Snow levels will be 7500-8,000 feet dropping to 5,000 feet late Monday. Precipitation turns showery as the cold front approaches. Expect another 11-15 inches above 8,000 feet and 2-5 inches at lower elevations especially late Monday morning. light snow will be falling at Lake Level by late Monday. The Good: Lot’s of moisture. The Bad: High snow levels. Someone will be reporting 2-4 feet of Sierra Cement at high elevations by late Monday.

Northwest: Several systems of rain with snow levels ranging from 5500 feet in the north to 7500 feet in the south. Snow levels drop on Sunday to 4500 feet in the north with a slight bump on Monday. Highest peaks in the Cascades will see snowfall.

Rockies: A large system that is blasting interior BC will be impacting Idaho tonight through Saturday. Low pressure stalls over central Idaho Friday night through Saturday. Areas around Sun Valley or Stanley will see 15-20 inches of wet snow above 7500 or 8,000 feet. That systems weakens and moves into the Tetons Saturday with rain at the base and 4-6 inches of snow higher up. Grand Targhee benefits from higher base elevations so could be a good pick for Saturday as well as Mid mountain or higher at JHMR.

The 2nd phase of the wet Sierra storm takes aim at the Tetons Monday morning with moderate snow likely during the day! That storm may be slightly cooler so deserves watching. The Wasatchwill grab some light snow Saturday with a chance of slightly higher amounts on Monday!