Meteorologist Chris Tomer is tracking a distinct split in the atmosphere this week. While a dominant storm track is burying the Northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest, a high-pressure system could bring an early spring sizzle to the Southwest. If you are hunting for powder, head north. Here is the breakdown of what you should expect snowwise through March 16th.
The Big Winners: Pacific Northwest and British Columbia
The biggest totals of precipitation are locked into a northern flow. A series of storms hitting now through March 15 will deliver significant accumulation to the coastal ranges and interior BC.
- Whistler & Stevens Pass: Expect 2–4 feet of fresh snow.
- Interior BC: Revelstoke and Kicking Horse are looking at moderate to heavy”snowfall through the weekend.
- Alberta: Solid totals for Banff and Marmot Basin, ranging from 8–14 inches.
Northern Rockies: Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming
Idaho and Montana remain firmly in the flow. A foot or more of new snow is forecasted across a handful of ski resorts throughout the area.
- Montana/Idaho: 5–12 inches across the high peaks.
- Jackson Hole: Totals are more modest, likely landing in the 4–8 inch range.
The Tiny Totals: Utah and Colorado
It’s a tough week for the Wasatch and the Sierra. A weakness in the flow might brush the Rockies tonight and again on March 15th, but you shouldn’t be expecting any sort of miracle.
- Colorado: Steamboat could see 6 inches, but most northern mountains (Vail and those East) will see only light accumulations.
- Utah/Sierra: Essentially 0–1 inch. High pressure is keeping these regions dry and increasingly warm.
The Midwest Sleeper Hit
While the West deals with high pressure, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan could be the surprise winner. Tomer is forecasting a bullseye of activity starting March 12th, with some spots potentially seeing up to 2 feet of snow.
Is This the End of Winter?
The long-range forecast shows a massive ridge of high pressure building by March 19, and Tomer warns this could bring temperatures 2–3 standard deviations above normal. We may see a return to snow later in the month, but the start of calendar spring looks warm and dry for the majority of the West.
