Quick AM update:
Light snow has fallen over much of western Colorado (Currently snowing in most of the northern Mountains). Â In Utah, the automated snow telemetry for Alta shows 6 inches fell overnight, which is a bit more than I expected yesterday. Â The webcams at Alta show snow on the roadways. In the Pacific Northwest, automated telemetry shows 4-5 inches near the summit at Crystal and perhaps similar amounts at Mount Baker.
Below: Â Alta Ski area access road this morning via webcam- 7 AM Friday
The big story is heavy snow, colder temps, and perhaps our first real base build of the season is due for the weekend. Â 1-2 feet will fall in the Pacific Northwest (Highest amounts in the southern WA Cascades). Â 8-12 inches are likely for the Oregon Cascades. Â The bulk of pow for the PNW will come late Friday to Saturday. Â In the Rockies, the models all show a significant dump for the Tetons (12-16), Wasatch (12-16), central Idaho (8-12), and Northern Colorado (9-14). Some higher amounts are possible with the NW flow orographics, perhaps in the northern Wasatch or near Rabbit Ears Pass in Colorado. Â The bulk of the action for the Rockies will happen on Saturday PM to Sunday. Â You might be able to see some decent amounts in the Tetons and Idaho by late Saturday, with most of the bulk falling Saturday night/Sunday. Â I am most bullish for Crystal (Elevation advantages), Brundage, Grand Targhee, Alta, Beaver, Powder Mountain, Vail, Steamboat, Highlands, Breckenridge. Â That’s not to say that other areas don’t score the deep.
Hey, you can ride powder this Sunday in Colorado with A-Basin and Keystone currently open. Â Don’t be surprised if it’s all groomed, but snow will still be falling when the lifts open!
If it were mid-winter and I was chasing (PNW late Friday-Saturday), (Tetons or central Idaho late Friday and Saturday) (Wasatch, Tetons, or northern Colorado Sunday).
Enjoy the powder, everyone! Â I am getting excited
Powderchaser Steve