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Report From Powderchasers.com

Synopsis:  Several very deep events are headed for the West coast this week with 2-4  feet likely for the Sierra and several feet for the upper elevations of the Cascades (Late week).  The Sierra grab another 2-3 feet late Sunday-Tuesday! The Cascades will have rising snow levels through Wednesday with several inches of rainfall below 7,000 feet (Some Cascade cement on top).  That rain will change to all snow late Wednesday-Friday (Chase time).   Snow will be falling in the Wasatch late this week bringing an end to the snow skunk that has kept them from any deep events.   Idaho will benefit from very deep moisture in the West Tuesday-Friday with warming conditions until Thursday (Rain/Snow mix elevation dependent-Significant snow above 7500 feet).  The Tetons grab several episodes of 4-8 inches this week (High snow levels) with 10-15 inch upper elevation totals through Friday (Cooling trend late week).  More snow is expected in the Tetons this weekend with colder temperatures.   Colorado gets teased this week with light snow up north turning moderate for many areas by Friday/Saturday.  Snow will pick up Statewide in Colorado late this weekend with a trend for higher amounts in the 4 corners (Arizona and New Mexico get some action).

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CASCADES:  Rising snow levels will keep snowfall at the peaks through Tuesday.  Rain will be falling at all elevations late Tuesday/Wednesday before turning back to snow late.  Wednesday transitions to all snow  by midday.  Snow turns light to moderate Thursday/Friday before perhaps increasing somewhat this weekend.  Snow showers continue in the extended forecast creating good riding conditions for the weekend. Powder Alert is for the later week period and the sum of several days of light to moderate snow through Sunday.

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SIERRA:  Dreams are coming true!  Significant moisture drops down from the Cascades beginning early Thursday morning ( day break).  Snow levels will be 7,000 feet initially lowering to 5,000 by late in the day. Heavy snow will be falling in the afternoon and continues into Friday (2-3 feet above 7500 feet, 10-12 inches at base levels). North Sierra may see higher amounts than south.  A brief break on Saturday sets up for another heavy snow event with colder temperatures for Sunday/Monday.  That system drops further south than the first one so areas around Mammoth might be the winners.  Expect 1-2 feet with storm #2. Both storms will impact the entire Sierra range. Snowfall totals for both storms will be 3-6 feet!

ROCKIES:  Moderate moisture is aimed at western Idaho and the Tetons (Grand Targhee and JHMR) for much of this week.  Heaviest events will be Monday evening through Tuesday morning (5-8 inches for the Tetons above 8000 feet).   Areas in Western Idaho (Brundage) may see higher amounts (Mixed rain at the base- all snow by Thursdday).   Another fast moving wave impacts the Tetons Wednesday night (3-7).  Snow showers may continue for much of the period with a colder trend late in the week.  The Wasatch grabs a cold front and several hours of heavy snow Thursday night/Friday. My early guess is 6-10 inches in many areas. Snow turns showery behind the cold front and continues lightly through the early weekend with periodic breaks.  Snow increases again late this weekend which will likely be a significant event.  We may see several feet of new snow by this time next week?  Say goodbye to the snow skunk for the Wasatch. Powder alert issued for the combination of both events Friday and later this weekend.

Colorado snow is still far out from our accuracy on models.  Currently it appears that moderate snow will be falling Statewide by Friday morning.  Snow showers continue into the weekend before heavier action arrives next Sunday/Monday.  Snow starts in the north and turns heavier in the southern areas.  Areas of Arizona, New Mexico and the San Juans may see the highest amounts?  Powder days in Colorado will be Friday (Moderate storm ski day) and again next Monday (Perhaps higher in the San Juans). Powder Alert issued for the Sunday/Monday event.-

Powderchaser Steve

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