[Forecast courtesy of Powderchasers]
The models have been hinting at a possible Atmospheric River event next week for the Pacific Northwest with several periods of significant rain and high mountain snow. Several feet of wet snow is possible over the higher summits of Whistler through the period beginning Monday. Heavy snow will be falling over the Oregon Cascades today through Friday where we issued a powder alert!
Snow Levels:
The challenge will be snow levels as warm fronts with significant moisture are followed by colder air so amounts will be very variable depending on timing and elevations next week. Canada will reap initial rewards with cooler temps however the Cascades of Washington and Oregon will eventually do well perhaps later next week? Several periods of heavy rain followed by snowfall are possible next week for the Cascades. Snow amounts will very variable depending on elevations. An AR event technically needs tropical moisture that is still possible however it’s not a slam dunk. Regardless, it’s going to get progressively wetter especially mid to late next week!
In the short term, our powder forecasters are watching a weak system today followed by a moderate system Thursday for the Cascades of WA/OR and some of the first flakes for the Idaho Panhandle. Cold air will bring some snow to the bases of most ski areas of the Northwest this week. Most areas will see 2-5 inches at upper elevations before heavy snow takes hold over central Oregon. “A good portion of the Oregon Cascades will see a foot or more through Friday”. That might include Timberline Lodge (Open), and perhaps Bachelor where several inches of snow are likely especially late tonight through Friday morning. “I was up at Bachelor snowboarding (Closed) several weeks ago when they nabbed 20 inches”
Other Powderchasers News:
Colorado nabbed significant snowfall last weekend (12″+) in many areas with Arapahoe Basin opening this Friday (*Limited terrain). “All the early hype is great but the reality is that what happens pre season does not reflect the future”
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Forecaster: @powderchasersteve– issued 10/11/2017 0749 MST