Most areas of the Western U.S. will head into a milder pattern over the next 5 days as a ridge of high pressure builds over the region.

However, a series of storms involving atmospheric rivers will continue to impact the Northwest and Canada, with heavy snow expected across the higher terrain in BC and Alberta. 

Here is our total snow forecast map from October 28 to November 3:

Whistler will see some of the deepest snow totals of lift-served ski areas in this pattern, though snow levels will creep up toward mid-mountain by late this week before dropping to the lower mountain by Sunday as colder air arrives. 

Snow Level Forecast Range Chart for Whistler:

Most weather models in our suite are projecting 18-36 inches of snow at Whistler's mid-mountain from October 28 to November 2.

Total Snowfall Forecast Range Chart for Whistler:

Further north, heavy snow will also fall across Southeast Alaska this week.

Check out the total snow forecast from the European Model through November 3rd:

Snow levels will start out near sea level in Southeast Alaska on Wednesday morning, before creeping up toward mid-mountain at Alyeska later this week, and eventually lowering back down to 1,000-1,500 feet by Sunday.

Snow Level Forecast Range Chart for Alyeska:

Forecast for Wed (Oct 29) to Wed Night:

A storm will impact Western Canada and the Northwest U.S. with snow levels rising to 4,000-5,000 feet at most areas as milder air arrives. The BC Coast Range and portions of the Columbia Mountains will see the deepest snow totals, with lighter amounts for Washington and Northern Idaho/Montana.

Forecast for Thu (Oct 30) to Thu Night:

Dry conditions can be expected throughout the West, while a storm will impact the Mid-Atlantic, bringing heavy rain to many areas. Colder air will also filter into this region, resulting in the first flakes of the season for the Southern Appalachians. 

Snow levels will dip to 5,000 feet in North Carolina and 4,000 feet in West Virginia, with the higher peaks in these regions picking up light accumulations (though it's hard to see in this zoomed-out map).

Forecast for Fri (Oct 31) to Fri Night:

The next storm involving an atmospheric river will impact the Northwest with heavy precipitation. Snow levels will rise well above ski resort summits in Washington with rain falling at ski resort elevations, while British Columbia will see snow levels of around 5,000 feet (near Whistler's mid-mountain). Heavy snow is expected above the rain/snow line in BC.

A storm will continue to track northward up the East Coast, and colder air wrapping around the backside of the storm will push into Western New England by Friday night with snow developing across the higher terrain in Vermont and Upstate New York. 

Forecast for Sat (Nov 1) to Sat Night:

A storm will continue to bring heavy snow to British Columbia, and snow levels will also trend lower behind a cold front. Heavy snow will also reach the Canadian Rockies in Alberta. To the south, Washington and the Northwest U.S. will remain on the warmer side, with rain expected at ski resort elevations. 

In the East, temperatures will continue to drop across New York and New England, with snow showers expected. Snow levels will dip as low as 2,000 feet in Upstate New York and Vermont. 

Forecast for Sun (Nov 2) to Sun Night:

A weaker but colder storm will move into the Northwest with more snow expected across BC and Alberta. Colder air will also result in rain changing over to light snow at least down to mid-mountain at most ski resorts in Washington and Northern Idaho/Montana. 

In the East, lingering flurries are possible across New England, but an overall drying trend is expected.

Outlook for Mon (Nov 3) to Fri (Nov 7):

In the West, a warmer-than-average airmass will remain in place from the Southwest into the Central Rockies. To the north, an active storm track will continue across the Northwest and Canada with temperatures gradually trending cooler over time.

Storms should also dip a bit further south into the Western U.S. compared to this week, with moisture (and snowfall) possibly extending as far south as the Sierra and the Central Rockies. 

In the East, a cooler airmass will linger over New England with additional shots of snow possible, while the Mid-Atlantic will see a warming trend. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Friday (October 31).

Alan Smith 

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