NEXT WEEK WILL BRING COLDER TEMPS AND APPRECIABLE SNOWFALL TO THE NORTHERN ROCKIES
Report From Powderchasers.com
Enjoy the warm weather and fall colors as we transition to cooler temperatures and snow levels dropping to as low as 4500 feet in Montana by Monday. Elsewhere in central Idaho, Tetons, Wasatch and northern Colorado expect snow levels between 7-8K. We expect a wide area of 5-9 inches at upper elevations of most ski areas in southern Montana and as much as12-15 inches at Red Lodge near Yellowstone. A wide area of 5-10 inches are likely between Wyoming (Highest peaks of the Tetons) , Wasatch and perhaps northern Colorado especially Wednesday/Thursday. The Sierra grabs a teaser 3-5 inches Sunday night/Monday (North is favored).
DETAIL: Some light snow is possible in the Cascades in the next 24 hours with most energy dropping down the coast into central CA. Cold air will migrate south and east kicking off a quick shot of high mountain snow in the Sierra through Monday morning (Pass level could become slick). I am not expecting anything more than 2-5 inches
Montana grabs freshies Sunday night-Tuesday. This will be a long duration event with areas near Red Lodge over a foot and spots near Big Sky and Bridger in the 6-10 inch range at higher elevations. Central Idaho (Sun Valley) will see cool showers and snowfall above the village Sunday/Monday (3-6).
Elsewhere in the Rockies the Tetons seem favored in the models (6-10) through midweek above 8,000 feet as well as the northern Wasatch. Amounts in Utah may only tip the scales to 5-7 inches through Tuesday (Highest peaks) with a 2nd low aimed at the Wasatch (Westerly winds) Wednesday/Thursday (Another 3-5 likely).
Colorado is on the southern fringe of moisture. I am expecting 2-4 inches near Steamboat Monday/Tuesday The I-70 corridor will likely see light snow. The models show another system during this timeframe skirting some snow showers in the San Juans so expect 2-4 inches in southern Colorado Monday. A second push of cold air will come later in the week with higher snowfall likely for Eagle, Summit, Pitkin, and spots along I-70 as far south as Monarch (3-6 inches or more likely later in the week).
A warm up should follow in the extended forecast for the Rockies but their are some hints of another deep low forming over the PNW the following week? Stay tuned for updates @powderchasers on Facebook and Instagram. Please send us your photos to Info@powderchasers.com