An atmospheric river over 5,000 miles long is creating a bridge of moisture that spans the entire Pacific Ocean. As you can guess, this bad boy is bringing some serious early season snowfall with it.
Related: Study Says El Niño Events Likely Triggered By Large Volcanic Eruptions
While forecasts are still far out, snow is almost certain to start falling on mainland US this Thursday before moving inland Sat/Sun. Snowfall totals in places like Whistler and Mt Baker ski area could exceed 70″according to Snow-Forecast.com.
Rain&wind this week. Heaviest rains&strongest winds Tue night-Thu morn. Local power outages, urban&street flooding poss. Prepare now! #wawx pic.twitter.com/RUVjxZ5Xjg
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) October 17, 2017
The storm will hit BC and Whistler/Blackcomb in particular before moving inland. NOAA actually has Red Resort and Whitewater getting the highest quality snow out of this demon spawn.
Heavy Rainfall Warning in effect for #StewartBC #Kitimat #BellaCoola https://t.co/Vne0bZh1Wo Full #BCstorm details https://t.co/cJQWV7AZ7z pic.twitter.com/CTwGLImbH3
— ECCC Weather British Columbia (@ECCCWeatherBC) October 15, 2017
- Expect between 20″-70″ above 4,000′ @Whistler
- PNW gets the goods Friday with Mt Baker set to receive up to 20″ at its higher elevations.
- 14″ forecasted for Mt Hood’s summit elevations.
Time to get heavy metal!
The jetstream (ribbon of high wind above 30,000 ft) will be a major player in the week ahead – exceeding 200 mph (180 knots) at times. #wawx pic.twitter.com/Ji1IYfZRlr
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) October 16, 2017
A composite NASA image earlier today showing a solid swath of moisture stretching from coastal China to western British Columbia. #wawx pic.twitter.com/Lv2MPnlUAt
— NWS Seattle (@NWSSeattle) October 16, 2017
Seems appropriate:
Also Read: Atmospheric River Events Can Make or Break Your Ski Season. Here is Why.