Snow is falling over the interior of British Columbia (24 CM at Revelstoke) under warm temperatures and increasing avalanche danger. The PNW is grabbing high moisture in the form of rain at most locations. The Eastern Cascades may fare better? A cooling trend for the PNW will turn rain back to light snow showers through the weekend. The Sierra is going to get a decent dump tonight into Saturday morning (11-15 inches) with cooling temperatures and good turning conditions this weekend. The Rockies grab the leftovers late Saturday night into Sunday with moderate snowfall. The Mid Atlantic gets the Epic Alert this weekend with 2-3 feet expected in resorts in Virginia through Sunday.
Sierra: There are 2 parts to the upcoming storm. Today will see light snow in many areas with snow levels at 7500-8000 feet (1-3- Could see some mixed precipitation at the base). Tonight brings a slight cooling trend and moderate snow to most areas (3-7). Saturday morning brings in the 2nd piece of energy with sharp cooling trend (5,000 foot snow levels) and moderate snow (High quality) during the day. Expect 4-9 additional inches during the day. Models show distinctly higher amounts north of Interstate 80 (Northern Sierra Range) with up to 10-12 inches the further north you go. Higher snow amounts may also set up over Mammoth Saturday (5-11). Winds will be strong Friday night/Saturday and decreasing by afternoon (Morning lift issues possible). Light snow continues into Sunday morning (1-4). Total snowfall will range from 18-20 inches in northern CA to 11-15 inches around Lake Tahoe and Mammoth. High pressure takes hold next week with the hint of more storms likely by the end of the period.
Rockies: The leftovers from the Sierra pass over central Idaho Saturday late morning through Sunday morning. Areas around Stanley could see 5-9 inches! Sun Valley 3-6? The Wasatch andTetons get into the action late Saturday and Sunday with 6-9 inches in Utah and 3-7 inches in the Tetons. Sunday will be the pick of the weekend with a good quality freshening. Colorado may fare better this weekend with models showing higher moisture Sunday morning through Monday. Highest moisture is aimed at central Colorado (Monarch could be a pick) that extends into the 4 corners early Sunday (Crested Butte may fare well initially Sunday). Late Sunday/Monday, I would aim for resorts that favor West, NW flow like Monarch, Breckenridge, Powderhorn, and Aspen. Snowfall amounts could range from 5-11 inches from Sunday morning through Monday. Last chair Sunday might be your best bet in the central or southern mountains and 1st chair Monday may offer some surprises near I-70. High pressure takes hold next week in the Rockies with a return to a wet pattern late in the period!
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Powderchaser Steve
