[Forecast courtesy of Powderchasers]
POWDER ALERT! SANTA CAN GRAB FACE SHOTS FROM THE CASCADES,ROCKIES AND NEW ENGLAND
Significant snowfall fell in the previous 48 hours in the Tetons (15-20 inches) including areas of the northern Utah (12 Plus) extending from Park City into areas near Alta. In Colorado a wide area of 3-6 inches fell with up to 11 inches at Steamboat as I forecasted in the last post. Front range mountains near Denver (Loveland and A Basin) also scored double digits. We forecasted higher amounts for mountains near Park City and the northern Wasatch specifically mentioning Powder Mountain. Powder takes the win with 15 inches in the past 24 hours edging out the Cottonwood Canyons.
Northwest winds can kick on the snow gods for Powder especially with storms that migrate further north or along I-80. The next system is on tap for both the West and East coasts that should bring a white XMAS to many resort towns. The focus on chases will include the southern Cascades of Washington, Tetons, northern tip of Utah, north central Colorado, and a good portion of New England. Santa is going to be getting POW from West to East with faceshots along the way. You may get skunked on gifts if he gets hung up skiing powder or perhaps his sled just zips west to east a bit faster!
Short Term Forecast:
Light to moderate snow falls over the southern Cascades including northern Oregon Sunday night (1st Chair will be 4-8 inches). Moderate snow falls over most of central and northern Idaho extending into The Tetons after midnight. Monday should bring 3-6 inches to the Jackson and Targhee for 1st chair. Snow continues (1 inch per hour) through noon. Conditions improve just prior to the lifts opening at both resorts. Expect total snowfall to range from 7-11 inches by late morning or early afternoon. Light snow continues in the Tetons through Tuesday AM with a refresh likely. Moisture skirts over northern Utah and heads into Colorado Christmas day. Heavy snow will be falling in many areas of Colorado and the extreme northern portions of Utah.
The Wasatch in Utah grabs a tease of 5-9 inches (Park City, Alta, Snowbasin) with up to a foot likely near the Idaho border (Consider northern Wasatch resorts). Resorts from Park City through Ogden should see the highest amounts. Beaver Mountain may up being a winner again and currently boasts the deepest base in Utah. The border near Idaho will see even higher amounts (Just north of the Beaver).
Colorado scores on this storm with moisture from the Tetons aimed directly at many resorts. Steamboat may nab another 12 inches with most locations along I-70 grabbing 5-10 inches from XMAS Eve through XMAS day. Storm ski while most folks are sleeping early morning. Snow will continue for most of Christmas Day. The northern San Juans may also fare well with moisture extending from Aspen through Silverton. Crested Butte will see moderate snowfall with higher amounts just north. Wake up early on Monday and make last minute decisions based on snow cams. I think many resorts will land decent snowfall from this next system!
On the East Coast your white XMAS comes late Sunday night through XMAS day. Wide areas of 4-8 inches will fall at many resorts. The higher end of this forecast will be southern New England in MA, NH, VT. Higher amounts will be found in Maine as the low pressure system dumps decent snow to Sugarloaf (9-12) with Sunday River a wildcard.
Enjoy the holidays everyone! I just got some bad news on an MRI (Mountain Bike Injuries) report that may put me out for the remainder of the season. I did manage to score a few deep powder runs yesterday at Jackson just before getting my MRI results.
– Powderchaser Steve
POWDER ALERT! SANTA CAN GRAB FACE SHOTS FROM THE CASCADES,ROCKIES AND NEW ENGLAND, 10.0 out of 10 based on 2 ratings
