[Forecast courtesy of Powderchasers]
SUMMARY: 4/19/2017 0800 MST
As I forecasted a few days ago the central Wasatch nailed 7 inches on the snow telemetry (More like 7-10 up top) of dense snow. Temps have decreased to freezing at the bases and light snow is still falling (Could be dreamy creamy base layer and fluffy top layer). I would chase to the summits of Brighton or Snowbird! Another storm is on tap for Thursday PM/Friday AM that should land decent amounts of snow for Colorado as well as the Tetons! The Tetons picked up 5-7 inches last night (Ski areas are closed but Teton Pass could be good today). The next storm is colder and could land some moderate quality powder in the northern Rockies. Colorado might grab 8-11 inches north and West of Boulder (Rocky Mountain National Park) and do well towards Steamboat and spots along the Divide Thursday night and Friday.
Short Term Forecast:
Light snow will fall over the Colorado mountains this morning above 10,000 feet. Snow will be falling over the Tetons to add to the moderate amounts that fell last night (Another 2-4 today).
Cold air and NW flow kicks into the Wasatch late Thursday driving snow levels to the bases. Light to moderate snow is likely Thursday night for Snowbird and Brighton (Still open). Amounts might not tip the scales of the previous storm with less moisture however with colder temperatures and better snow ratios you may pull 4-8 inches for Friday first chairs. It’s not a big storm, but it’s cold for this time of year and could deliver some light or moderate quality. That’s on top of the dense smooth layer that fell last night (Dreamy cream with fluff).
That pulls into the Tetons putting down similar amounts at the upper reaches of Teton Pass. The West side of the pass or areas around Grand Targhee should see the highest amounts with NW wind direction. Friday morning should deliver at upper elevations. Some snow will also be falling at the base of the pass.
Colorado sees an enhancement of snowfall as cold air orographics and moderate moisture combine to grab 7-11 inches above 8,000 feet. The hard part is to nail down the best amounts of snow. Currently I am optimistic for the most snow to fall along the Front Range north of Boulder (Rocky Mountain National Park). Decent amounts are likely at Steamboat (4-8) at the upper peaks by Friday morning. Light to moderate amounts are likely for Summit County followed by higher amounts possible in Grand County or along the Divide near Loveland Ski Area. Spring storms can bring convective snow bands that are intense (Warm heating of the daytime combining with cold air aloft) so amounts could be impressive primarily north of Interstate 70. NW flow may offer some surprises for resorts favored by this wind direction out west including Vail.
Extended Forecast:
The extended pattern looks very unsettled next week. Good chance of continued snowfall for the northern Rockies, Tetons, Wasatch, and spots in Montana where moisture focuses for much of the upcoming week.
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