Meteorologist Chris Tomer is forecasting a pair of storm systems to bring fresh snow to parts of the western United States over the coming days, with Big Sky, Montana, among the resorts potentially in line for a significant late-October refresh.
In his latest mountain weather update, Tomer highlighted two separate rounds of precipitation, including a warm storm system already impacting the West and a colder front expected to move across the northern Rockies around October 27th-28th. The second system could deliver the better snowfall totals at several ski areas, including Big Sky, Bridger Bowl, and Showdown.
Big Sky is positioned near a bullseye in the seven-day precipitation forecast, with the potential for at least an inch of liquid precipitation and locally higher amounts. As colder air arrives with the second system, the snow level should fall, potentially bringing snow down toward some valley floors. The forecast maps suggest roughly 6 inches or more of snow across parts of Montana, with Big Sky potentially seeing around 17 inches through the end of October.
Warm Storm Brings Rain Before Snow
The first storm has been unusually warm, with snow levels initially hovering around 13,000 feet in parts of Colorado. That has meant rain instead of snow at several mountain destinations, including Telluride and Wolf Creek, where precipitation has been falling on existing early-season snow.
Tomer expects temperatures to gradually cool as the system evolves, allowing snow to reach higher elevations across the Wasatch, the Tetons, and southwestern Colorado. However, the initial storm is not expected to deliver substantial snowfall at many resort mid-mountain elevations.
The biggest concern in southwestern Colorado is the amount of precipitation. Tomer’s forecast shows approximately 4.5 to 5 inches of liquid equivalent in parts of the San Juan Mountains, creating significant flash-flooding and debris-flow concerns, particularly near burn scars. Some of the highest peaks could receive a foot or more of snow as the snow line drops.
Second Storm Could Deliver Better Ski Conditions
The next major opportunity for snowfall arrives around October 27–28, when a colder front moves through Montana, Idaho, and parts of Wyoming.
Tomer expects Big Sky, Bridger Bowl, and Showdown to benefit from the incoming cold air and favorable storm track. The Tetons could also pick up additional snow, with Jackson Hole potentially receiving several inches at mid-mountain and higher totals near the summit.
Elsewhere in the West, the highest elevations of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains could collect 8 to 10 inches, while Silverton Mountain in Colorado could receive multiple rounds of snow. Tomer’s forecast also calls for lighter accumulations at several Colorado Front Range resorts, including Loveland, Arapahoe Basin, and Keystone, potentially providing a small boost to early-season snowmaking efforts.
