[Forecast Courtesy Of Powderchasers]
Summary- APRIL 26 0600 MST
Significant snowfall has landed in the West, especially over Utah where 15 -20 inches has fallen at Snowbird in the past 48 hours (Yesterday was the day). Heavy snow is moving into the Cascades currently primarily on the western side of the crest in Oregon. NW flow continues for the Rockies into the weekend with episodes of mountain snow and valley rain. I took a quick look at the mountain telemetry in the Tetons and there appears to be 2 day totals of 12-15 inches at upper elevations and 9-11 mid mountain. The next 3-4 days stays unsettled with 1-2 more feet expected in some areas through Saturday . My Short term forecast will be “Short” due to the fact that I am on the road currently.
Short Term Forecast:
Moderate to heavy snow will be cranking in the Oregon Cascades. Chase south and West (I think Timberline will score today with Mt Bachelor on the wildcard list). The Wasatch grabs light snow this morning and moderate amounts this afternoon for last chair at Snowbird (2-5 by 4PM). NW flow will keep orographic snow showers falling all night at the Bird (Less total moisture with this system than the previous) with decent odds of another 5-10 inches Wednesday night. Thursday should deliver a double digit day between Wednesday and Thursday snowfall. Snow showers will continue (Moderate early Thursday) and taper off after 10AM somewhat.
The Tetons (No resorts are open) could grab another 9-15 inches of snow between now and Thursday night. Send us some reports from Teton Pass. Avalanche conditions will be increasing so be sure to check the forecast.
Colorado nabs decent snow late today through Thursday. Models pump out 6-10 inches over Vail Pass (Ski areas are closed) with 4-8 inches likely for 1st chairs at Loveland, Winter Park, and A-Basin (* ALL OPEN). It’s possible that higher amounts may fall near the Divide. Most snow will fall overnight Wednesday so first chairs Thursday should deliver.
Extended Forecast:
Snow showers may pick up again in the Wasatch and Tetons Friday/Saturday as colder air (Snow to all valley floors) sets up in that region. Snow will be primarily driven by cold air orographics playing a role to land some moderate amounts through the period. There most likely will be 12 hour periods of 3-6 inches that should add up nicely through late Saturday in the Tetons and Wasatch. Colorado will be unsettled this weekend with decent snow at the Divide locations (North is favored) especially for 1st chairs on Saturday (Friday night dump).
Light snow showers should persist especially in Colorado Sunday/Monday (Light amounts). A moderate system may return to the Tetons taking a northern route (Edging over NE Utah) that digs into Colorado early next week just in time for Birthday on May 3rd.
“Its not over till its over”
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