A major early season storm is taking shape across the northern Rockies, with meteorologist Chris Tomer highlighting the potential for more than two feet of snow in parts of Wyoming and one to two feet across portions of Montana by October 15th. The forecast remains subject to change, but the latest snowfall projections point toward the biggest totals developing across Montana, Wyoming and the higher elevations of Utah. The setup could provide some of the first significant snowfall for ski resorts of the season.
Montana Could See One To Two Feet Of Snow
Montana currently appears to be the biggest winner from the storm. Tomer expects the state to have the coldest air and the most snow, allowing much of the heavy precipitation to fall as snow.
His forecast shows at least six inches across broad portions of the higher terrain, with areas highlighted for one to two feet of snow. The Rocky Mountain Front and Continental Divide are among the areas with particularly strong potential.
Several ski areas are positioned to benefit, including Big Sky, Bridger Bowl, Showdown and Snowbowl. Tomer believes Big Sky could receive more snow than some computer models currently indicate, with more than four inches possible at the peak.
Wyoming Could See More Than Two Feet
The most impressive snowfall projection comes from Wyoming’s highest terrain. Tomer is forecasting more than two feet at Gannett Peak, Wyoming’s highest mountain, if the storm develops as currently expected.
The Wind River Range is expected to see double-digit snowfall totals, while the Tetons could also receive substantial snow after the rain-snow line drops. Tomer noted that precipitation totals around Jackson and the Tetons could reach at least two inches of liquid equivalent, with a significant portion eventually falling as snow.
Utah And Colorado Could Change To Snow
Utah and Colorado start out much warmer, with rain initially dominating many areas. Tomer expects the rain-snow line to fall around October 12 and 13.
The Uintas could see three to four inches of liquid equivalent, although much of that will initially fall as rain. The San Juans, Grand Mesa, Flat Tops and West Elk Mountains are also in a forecast bullseye of at least one inch of liquid equivalent, with some eventually changing to snow. The snowfall numbers are still an educated guess, so don’t be surprised if they increase or decrease depending on the storm track.