[Forecast courtesy of Powderchasers]
October 20, 2016, 7 AM MST
Very wet trend on tap for the Northwest for the next 5-7 days with periods of heavy low elevation rainfall and light to moderate snow above 6,000 feet. We are not expecting any single deep event but consistent moisture feeds every 24 hours (Break on Saturday) could spell for moderate snowfall at the peaks (Little to light snow mid mountain). Lower snow levels and light snow is more likely next week (mid mountain) in the Pacific Northwest. Mount Rainier will nab 40-50 inches of fluff at upper elevations of the alpine! (Dreaming for that snow at any ski area allowed and encouraged).
Related: Snow Forecasted For The East | NOAA Issues Hazardous Weather Outlook
Whistler and interior BC should nab light or moderate snow elevation dependent through the weekend…
The climate prediction centers latest report has edged towards “weak La Nina” late Fall (Last forecast was more neutral). That may weaken by early winter into a more neutral outlook by December? Don’t put all your cards into the hype just yet as we continue to prove marginal confidence in predicting where snow will fall this season. My gut tells me that we may see higher moisture in the Pacific Northwest, BC, and northern Rockies early but as winter progresses all areas are in fair play! Last year the Pacific Northwest grabbed normal moisture where the southern parts of California came up short proving many forecasts wrong. Many areas of the central Rockies and the Sierra can do well with either pattern. Temperatures seem to correlate colder (northern areas) with La Nina which may account for the early season hype of low elevation snow that fell in the northern Rockies this season? Patterns and snowfall can change quickly. That’s why we chase powder right?
New England is in the spotlight late this week with heavy rainfall turning to light snow Saturday night. Cold air will filter down from the north kicking off some powder buzz at many of the resorts in ME, NH, Upstate NY, and Vermont. Areas closer to the Canadian border could nab 3-6 inches where further south will see 1-3 by Sunday morning.
The Rockies may see some light snow especially over Colorado by mid next week where a weak moisture feed appears likely to move up from the 4 corners and cooler temperatures. Arapahoe Basin opens this Friday in Colorado kicking off it’s 70th year of operation! Who’s going to get first chair?
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