The past 7 days has taken the chase to Crystal, Baker, Jackson, Snowbird. We really tried to make it Colorado where up to 24 inches fell in the central and southern mountains Friday(Crested Butte, Wolf Creek) and 19-20 inches further north into Summit and Eagle County (Breckenridge, Beaver Creek). “The really good thing about the pattern in the past several weeks is that many areas of the West are reaping huge rewards including the Pacific Northwest, Higher elevations of the Sierra (Still need more snow at lower elevations) most of the Rockies (ID, WY, CO, UT, MT, and even NM where a bit more snow is needed). I was at Jackson Hole when 24-30 inches fell in 2 days (They hit an all-time record of 200 inches YTD).” These measurements are taken above the mid mountain so take the numbers lightly but the bottom line is “Coverage was amazing from top to bottom” The widespread snowfall in the West increases the stoke factor in most zones, reduces crowding in one area, and allowing us to make multi State chases and powder for 7 days in a row. “I can’t remember when I have scored 5-7 days of 12 inches or more in just a 1 week period over 3-4 States.”
The next 3-5 days will bring more snow to the Pacific Northwest as well as northern Rockies.
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS:
Crested Butte- Not sure what the top line says ” who cares it’s a ton of POW”
Mammoth Mountain: 39-50 inches-24 hours
Brighton Resort: 39 inches-24 hours
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: 30 inches -48 hours
Crested Butte: 29 inches -48 hours
Wolf Creek: 28 inches-48 hours
Beaver Creek and Aspen: 20 inches- 48 hours
Sun Valley: 19 inches -48 hours (Opened the legendary bowls Saturday).
THE CHASE AHEAD- SYNOPSIS
Models currently look decent for the Pacific Northwest Sunday-Tuesday as 2 storm systems impact the Washington and Oregon Cascades. Decent snow levels (500-1500 feet) exist Sunday night/Monday where moderate to heavy snow will be falling (Peaking Monday morning).”Monday noon or last chair could be a great reminder of what light density pow feels like in the PNW (5-10).” The WA Cascades will grab slightly higher amounts (3-7 Oregon). Another system drops into the WA Cascades (BC included) late Monday night/Tuesday with strong winds (Lift closures are likely at higher elevation chairs) with rising snow levels (3-4,000 feet). Expect 5-10 inches by mid day Tuesday however winds will be transporting deeper pockets on leeward slopes and much less snow in other areas. Wednesday may see openings from lifts that did now spin Tuesday? “Total snowfall for the PNW early next week will range from 10-18 inches (Both storm systems).
Whistler also scores decent amounts Monday-Tuesday with 18-36 CM likely through the period. Interior BC grabs leftovers early this week with 5-10 inches near Kicking Horse, Revelstoke and Fernie as moisture form the PNW weakens and spreads inland.
ROCKIES:
“Snowfall will become widespread over a good portion of northern Idaho (Moderate amounts) and Montana (Schweitzer or Whitefish could score) late Monday or early Tuesday. That snow pushes into the TetonsEarly Tuesday through early Wednesday (5-10 inches by Wednesday morning).” The Wasatch grabs leftovers with a cold front due late Tuesday-Wednesday (Light or moderate amounts likely). Colorado gets into the action under NW flow on Wednesday (Amounts are light on models however cold air orographics might bring some surprises especially north of I-70). More updates will be posted on a later shift.
The Chase report is also a new feature for Opensnow.com so feel free to check out my report there as well. We hope to be out on the slopes chasing POW this week and will update midweek with the official holiday chase forecast. Powder buzz is high right now.
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