[Forecast courtesy of Powderchasers]
UPDATED CUSTOM POW CAST- SEVERAL FEET OF SNOW WILL FALL IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST IN THE NEXT 5 DAYS
1/22/17- PM FORECAST
Trip update:
The chase to Mt Baker this morning was met with 8-11 inches of light density powder on all aspects as of 6 AM (Light Winds). An additional 10 inches fell during the day. 1st chair spun around 9:45 this morning with what felt like 15 inches of bottomless pow. Overall, this was one of our best days of the storm cycle in the Pacific Northwest. Storm totals are 20 inches with over 5 feet in the past 4 days in the northern Cascades. Its only going to get deeper so keep reading.
Stevens Pass was on the southern side of most of the action the past several days with higher moisture being pumped into the northern areas of the PNW including BC. Today, moisture pushed south– scoring moderate amounts at Stevens Pass (3-7 on snow telemetry), with Crystal Mountain in the 2-4 inch range. That’s about to change as moisture spreads further south in the next several days.
We heard that Whistler Blackcomb opened up the peak today at both Blackcomb and Whistler (65 CM or more)– so kudos to the lucky ones that grabbed it. We heard it was epic. We are also a bit jealous since we chased there yesterday with very limited steep terrain open. Baker was a sure bet this morning, so the chase took us back to WA.
The action in The Pacific Northwest will continue to pump significant moisture into the Cascades and British Columbia. The main difference with the next system due late morning Tuesday-Wednesday is much higher snow totals for Crystal (1-2 feet at the summit) and Stevens Pass (12-15). White Pass and northern Oregon will also do very well in the next several days. Mount Hood Meadows could land significant snowfall (2 feet). Peak snowfall in the Cascades will happen from mid-day Tuesday through Wednesday morning. Last chair Tuesday is chase worthy at Crystal, Mount Hood Meadows and Stevens Pass.
The Good: Deep snow is guaranteed (1-2 feet in the next 48 hours).
The Bad: Temps warm late Tuesday night bringing mixed precipitation to the bases of the southern Cascades (Crystal, White Pass, Mount Hood Meadows).
Temps stay cooler up north including BC. Also consider chasing to the Panhandle of Idaho late Tuesday/Wednesday for decent quality powder and double digits! I think Schweitzer could land significant snow Wednesday-Friday and will be just north of the warmer air (All snow, decent quality).
Temps will be slightly cooler in the Central Cascades Tuesday due to easterly flow at Stevens Pass. Crystal will likely see some mixing of rain at the base (Snow levels rise to 4800-5,000 feet late Tuesday evening) but score some of the highest snow totals at the summit. Temps warm somewhat over Mount Baker but most precipitation will fall as all snow. Cooling should occur on Wednesday morning (All zones) with snow continuing at all mountain locations albeit lighter intensity. That denser layer Tuesday night may promote very high avalanche danger in the PNW especially the central and southern Cascades (Check the NWAC Forecast before venturing out).
Conditions on Wednesday could be epic with lighter density snow falling through the day in the Cascades.
Moderate snowfall will continue in the Cascades through Wednesday evening (Some significant amounts are possible with a cooling trend) in the Cascades before a short lived break happens Thursday morning. Additional heavy snow with very cold temps may happen late in the week for the Pacific Northwest. The weekend may deliver!
Snow spreads into The Sierra Wednesday night into Thursday (12 inches or more possible) with a good push of cold air. The Tetons earn respectable amounts towards the end of the week with 2 systems beginning Wednesday night and again this weekend. 12 inches or more are possible in the Tetons through the period (Not convinced of a single double digit event). The Wasatch may see moderate amounts especially in the northern regions by Friday morning (1st chair could be decent Friday AM).
Light or moderate leftovers push into Colorado on Friday.
– Powderchaser Steve
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UPDATED CUSTOM POW CAST- SEVERAL FEET OF SNOW WILL FALL IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST IN THE NEXT 5 DAYS, 5.5 out of 10 based on 2 ratings
