A major storm system could be set to bring significant snowfall to several ski resorts across the West around Halloween and the first few days of November. Meteorologist Chris Tomer‘s October 26th forecast calls for potentially one to two feet of snow in parts of Colorado and Utah, with the Wasatch Range in line for substantial accumulation.
The storm’s exact impact will depend on how much colder air arrives in the area, but the developing pattern could provide a serious boost to the early-season snowpack and snowmaking efforts.
Cold Front Targets Northern Rockies Before Bigger Storm Arrives
A cold front is expected to make its way across the northern Rockies over the next several days, bringing snow into Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, British Columbia, and Alberta. That system could also brush against the Wasatch Range and northern Colorado mountains.
The main focus of Tomer’s forecast is a larger area of low pressure that currently sits over the Pacific Northwest. That system is expected to move south along the coast before reaching California, combining with additional Pacific energy and a strong subtropical jet stream.
That combination could create a much more significant storm around October 31st through November 3rd, and colder temperatures would help lower snow levels and improve the odds of meaningful accumulations.
Colorado and Utah Could See the Biggest Totals
Colorado’s Western Slope and San Juan Mountains stand out as the biggest potential winners. The San Juans could receive one to two feet of snow, with Wolf Creek potentially picking up around 15 inches. Silverton could see between 14 to 16 inches mid-mountain.
Vail, Copper Mountain, the Grand Mesa, and the West Elk Mountains are all worth watching as well, with the highest terrain maybe receiving at least a foot of snow if the forecast holds.
The Wasatch Range could also see an impressive round of snowfall. Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude are all looking at 15 to 20 inches in the forecast, and upper elevations could see even more. The main thing to look for is the temperature. If the cold air arrives as expected, snow levels could drop dramatically and the accumulation at lower elevations could be much greater.
Wyoming and the Pacific Northwest Also in the Mix
Colorado and Utah aren’t the only potential winners for the coming days. Jackson Hole could see around 8 to 10 inches mid-mountian, with around 20 inches possible near the summit. Grand Targhee is also in line for additional snow.
Farther north, resorts in Idaho, British Columbia, and Alberta could see several inches to around a foot, depending on location and storm development. The Sierra Nevada could pick up snow as the system moves south.