screen-shot-2017-01-09-at-7-30-59-am

[Forecast courtesy of Powderchasers]

January 10, 2017

Summary:

I am still hunkered down in Jackson Hole where storm totals are at 24 inches currently. The Hobacks were smooth with wind loaded refills all morning That’s 4K vertical where could you can essentially point it the whole damn thing.

Related: Mammoth Just Pulled Down 14 FEET Of Fresh Snow In 6 Days! [Conditions Report + Photo Tour]

That’s nothing compared to the Sierra that is reporting 60 inches in 2 days at Heavenly, 102 inches at the summit of Mammoth in 5 days. Colorado got slammed with the goods if you could get there (I-70 was closed at Vail Pass from an avalanche) and if your resort was open? Arapahoe Basin closed early today, Crested Butte had limited openings (Deep), and from what I am hearing Breckenridge was over the knees (Mountain Nomads report) with much of the upper mountain remaining closed. Reports from Vail were “Top 10 days” in a long time from a trustworthy local.

Deer Valley reported 19 in 24 hours where Park City had 12 (Slightly higher elevation can make a big difference with wet storms and DV likes Southerly flow). There is nothing to talk about in the Sierra except it’s “Nipple Deep” and most resorts are with very limited openings. Sun Valley looked epic on the web cams today with several feet over the past few days. Another 5-9 feet is expected in the Sierra. My suggestion is that you choose resorts with low angle skiing or get out of dodge and hit the Rockies where ropes are dropping. “Bigger is not always better” in the short run but long term moisture is always welcome. Lets cut to the chase below in the short term forecast.

Short term forecast:

Heavy moisture is moving into the Sierra, Central and southern Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming currently.

Sierra: I would suggest avoiding travel in the Sierra for the next few days as strong winds, lighter density snow and 1-3 inch per hour rates are creating white out conditions. Multiple road closures will be an issue in the next 24 hours. “I would not be surprised to see an additional 40-50 inches in many locations in the Sierra through Thursday! Mammoth may see higher amounts at the summit. At lake level another 20-30 inches may fall! The Fire hose is still wide open!

Total snowfall through Thursday night- Image: Weather Bell
Total snowfall through Thursday night- Image: Weather Bell

Rockies/Oregon: Good opportunity exists at Mount Hood Meadows, Timberline and perhaps the Bachelor for 8-12 inches late tonight through Wednesday. Southern WA near White pass would be a wildcard.

“In the Rockies SW flow continues with my targets looking at Sun Valley, Jackson, Grand Targhee, and all resorts in the Wasatch of Utah where 12-18 inches will fall through Wednesday afternoon.”

Peak times to grab deep powder will be AM at Sun Valley, and anytime during the day Wednesday in the Wasatch, and Tetons. My gut tells me that the deepest spots will be the northern Wasatch (Snowbasin, Powder Mountain, Beaver, Cherry Peak) with 12-18 inches likely through late Wednesday. Park City should fare well with colder temperatures and moderate snowfall tonight and tomorrow. Little and Big Cottonwood will be sinking in the deep (9-14) but winds may impact upper lifts. Sometimes, when Snowbird is shut down on the summit I leap over to Solitude and ride the Powderhorn chair. Solitude also earns it’s name with less crowds and good terrain. You cant go wrong on amounts anywhere in northern Utah so pick your resorts based on winds versus just snow totals. Your lower peaks may provide a safer bet? Thursday will be as good if not better than Wednesday with new terrain openings.

Total moisture through Thursday
Total moisture through Thursday

In Colorado NOAA is forecasting the heaviest snow tonight. I am not buying off on this just yet, but can say heavy snow will be falling during the day Wednesday with peak intensity coming late AM or early PM with a cold front moving quickly from north to south. Westerly winds will crank high snow totals out from Steamboat through all of Summit County, Aspen, Crested Butte, and Monarch. The southern mountains will see less. Crested Butte and Monarch may end up winning the lottery again with Aspen close behind. Most spots along I-70 will nab 8-14 inches with higher amounts possible in Steamboat, CB, Aspen, and Monarch.

Light or moderate snow will be falling Wednesday night so chases Thursday will still be respectable especially since new terrain will be opening from being closed on Wednesday.

EXTENDED FORECAST:

The final wave of snowfall for the Sierra moves in on Thursday (Another 12-16 inches). That system takes a southerly track over the Rockies spreading moderate or heavy snow into the 4 corners late this week. The Sierra will see the sun for the first time perhaps on Friday? Don’t expect everything to be open! Next week looks warmer and wetter for the Cascades and coastal BC.

*Please follow us on Facebook, Instagram and for powder alerts at www.powderchasers.com

If you’re addicted to powder and reading this forecast, please consider a donation to Powderchasers! For all donations of $50 or more you earn powder turns with Powderchasers, custom forecasts, and a swag Phunkshun Wear Balaclava! 10% gets donated to avalanche forecast centers in the West.

Donate Here: Powderchasers Fund

Unofficial Networks Newsletter

Get the latest snow and mountain lifestyle news and entertainment delivered to your inbox.

Hidden
Newsletters
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.