Whistler Blackcomb could be in line for an extraordinary amount of snowfall over the next 10 days, with some of the highest elevations potentially picking up more than 100 inches of snow. According to mountain weather forecaster Chris Tomer, a powerful storm pattern is setting up across British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest, bringing several significant systems into the region through November 12.
Tomer identified as many as seven storm systems lined up for the region over the next 10 days. The biggest concern for skiers and snowboarders will be the freezing level, which could create enormous differences in snowfall between resort base areas and upper mountain terrain.
Whistler Blackcomb Could See More Than 100 Inches
Whistler Blackcomb is shaping up to be the biggest snowfall bullseye. By the close of November 12, his projections call for approximately 2 to 3 feet of snow around mid-mountain, with considerably higher totals toward the summit.
At elevations around 7,500 to 7,700 feet, some forecast models suggest more than 100 inches of accumulation. Certain areas around Symphony Express could see 60 to 70 inches, while upper mountain terrain near Peak Express could approach 100 inches.
However the freezing level will play a major role in determining where that snow actually accumulates. Tomer’s forecast suggests temperatures could remain warm enough for rain at Whistler’s base, with the freezing level generally staying between mid-mountain and the summit.
British Columbia and Pacific Northwest in the Bullseye
Whistler isn’t the only ski destination looking at significant snowfall. Tomer identified a broad area of British Columbia and the Pacific Northwest that could receive substantial precipitation from the incoming storm train. Revelstoke, Kicking Horse, Marmot Basin, and Sunshine Village could all benefit from the active pattern, although snowfall totals will vary considerably depending on elevation and resort location.
The coastal ranges of British Columbia could see especially impressive precipitation totals, with some areas forecast to receive the equivalent of around a foot of rain. At higher elevations, that could translate into several feet of snow.
Mount Baker, Crystal Mountain, and Stevens Pass could also pick up significant snowfall, although the elevated freezing levels will make higher terrain the best place to find accumulating snow.
Rockies Left Waiting for Their Next Storm
While British Columbia gets hammered, much of the American West is looking considerably quieter. A smaller, fast-moving storm system will cross Utah and Colorado around November 4, potentially bringing up to six inches to the highest Colorado peaks. The Wasatch could see 1 to 6 inches, while much of Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and California remains relatively dry.
The bigger question is when the Pacific storm pattern will finally shift south. Tomer sees a potential for the larger trough to eventually dig into the Interior West, but the timing isn’t clear.
