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The West if going to see a series of systems this week with storm #1 primarily focused over the Cascades on Tuesday morning (daybreak) through midnight. Most moisture will fall over the northern Cascades (Mount Baker- 6-10 Tuesday) and 4-8 from Stevens Pass south. Snow levels will be respectable (3500) for densities and light winds. Storm #2 impacts the Cascades on Wednesday (Highest intensity snowfall from Noon to Midnight) with lower snow levels (2500-3,000). This would be my pick of the week (Late Wednesday and early Thursday). Expect another 10-12 inches at Baker and 7-10 for Stevens and Crystal. Inland areas towards Idaho and Spokane will see lower amounts (4-9 storm totals) Most of the moisture drops along the coast towards California beyond Thursday. British Columbia should fare well Tuesday-Wednesday.
The Sierra will snow on Thursday PM through Friday AM. Amounts will be light due to the splitting of energy and lack of a moisture tap (4-8 many Tahoe resorts by Friday AM). The Ruby Mountains over Nevada might fare better.
ROCKIES: The models show the system slowing and making it’s way into Northern and Central Utah by Friday morning. Snow will fall at light to moderate clips from mid morning Friday through Saturday night. One issue with amounts is that winds are from the East, switching to the North so areas such as the Cottonwoods will not fare as well as some locations in Central Utah or the Uintas. Moisture grids are still decent so resorts near Alta should see 9-14 inches over the 2 day period (Perhaps more if we are lucky). The Park City mountains will see 3-8 inches. Snowbasinand Powder? I would venture to say 5-10. Amounts could be variable! Powder Alerts likely issued by mid week.
Colorado will see snow from Saturday PM through Monday. Amounts don’t look all that impressive due to the splitty nature of the storm. If the winds shift to the North I would expect to see decent amounts near Winter Park, Front Range and perhaps the Eastern 1/2 of Summit County by Sunday/Monday. This could end up being a Statewide event as the 4 corners might see moderate snow on Saturday PM (Durango North through Silverton). The chase might include the San Juan’s on Saturday and the Front Range on Sunday or Monday (Don’t’ expect amounts like last week). As we get closer an alert will be issued for the Rockies if necessary but for now the Wasatch might stand for the best dumpage early this weekend. Late Weekend = better for Colorado.
EAST COAST: LIGHT snow early this week will turn moderate over Central Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine Thursday night into Friday. Expect a good chance of 4-7 inches during that timeframe. Powder Alerts will be issued if the models bump amounts up to a foot or more. We see a stronger system on the horizon for February 10-11.
Powderchaser Steve
