Meteorologist Chris Tomer shares his latest winter weather forecast from the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
Current Conditions
In Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk, and the Highlands, snow is just starting to fall. Tonight through early Monday morning, expect 2-4 inches—a minor system ahead of a much larger storm hitting the West Coast.
Storm Overview
The current system:
- Originated in the Wasatch overnight.
- Moving into Colorado, mainly impacting central and northern mountains tonight with 2-4 inches.
The big storm:
- Currently delivering precipitation to the Pacific Northwest and Northern California.
- Will impact Colorado, Utah, and surrounding regions between Nov. 25-27 with significant snowfall.
Snow Timeline Highlights
- Nov. 25-26: Moderate to heavy snowfall begins in the Wasatch, Tetons, and Colorado.
- Nov. 27: Snow tapers off across the Rockies.
- Nov. 27-30: Interior British Columbia could see moderate to heavy accumulations.
Snowfall Projections
Utah:
- Alta/Snowbird (Little Cottonwood Canyon): 15-20 inches.
- Park City/Deer Valley: 8-12 inches.
- Wind gusts 30-40 mph with temperatures around 25-29°F during the event.
Colorado:
- Summit County (A-Basin, Loveland, Winter Park): 15-20 inches.
- Keystone: 12-15 inches.
- Irwin (West Elks): Potentially up to 50 inches, due to its high alpine location.
California:
- Tahoe: Snow totals depend on elevation; higher elevations to see greater accumulations.
- Mammoth: 17+ inches at 10,000 feet.
Northeast Outlook
A strong Thanksgiving storm is expected, bringing:
- 1-2 feet for areas like Killington, Stowe, Jay Peak, and Mount Snow.
- Upstate New York (e.g., Snow Ridge, Whiteface) will also see significant snowfall.
Key Takeaways
- This week will bring widespread heavy snow, particularly in the Rockies and the Sierra.
- Best days for skiing: Nov. 26-27 in the Rockies, with the Northeast peaking around Thanksgiving.
- Expect colder temperatures behind the storm, especially in Colorado, with lows dropping to 10°F or colder.
Stay tuned for updates throughout the week. Enjoy the powder and take care!