A significant storm cycle remains on track for the Rockies this weekend with a northwest flow dominant storm track (storms moving from northwest to southeast). The Pacific Northwest is about to head into a snowy pattern as well, with progressively stronger storms heading into early next week.

Snow totals across the Northwest and the Rockies will generally range from 1-3 feet over the next 5 days.

Ski areas favored for some of the deepest snow totals over the next 5 days include, but are not limited to:

• Grand Targhee (WY)
• Mt. Baker (WA)
• Steamboat (CO)
• Vail (CO)
• Silver Mountain (ID)
• Snowbird (UT)
• Big Sky (MT)
• Revelstoke (BC)
• Whistler (BC)

Forecast for Friday (Dec 5):

Back-to-back storms will bring heavy snow to the Northwest and the Rockies, with ski resorts in BC, Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado favored for the deepest totals. 

In the East, a weak storm will track across the Southern Mid-Atlantic with snow developing. Virginia looks favored for the most widespread snowfall. 

Forecast for Saturday (Dec 6):

A strong storm will continue to impact the Northwest and the Rockies with deep totals adding up. In the East, no big storms are expected, but snow showers will develop across the Great Lakes, Quebec, and Northern New England.

Forecast for Sunday (Dec 7):

The next storm will favor British Columbia and Washington for the heaviest snowfall, but another round of snow will also reach the Northern and Central Rockies later in the day and into the evening.

In the East, minor disturbances will track across the Great Lakes and Northeast with more snow showers expected.

Forecast for Monday (Dec 8):

Snow will linger across the Central Rockies early in the day, then a strong storm involving an atmospheric river will impact the Northwest with heavy snow expected across Washington and BC, though lower elevation resorts could see rain mix in.

In the East, weak storms will move across the Great Lakes and Southern Appalachians with light snow possible. 

Forecast for Tuesday (Dec 9):

A strong storm will continue to impact the Northwest, and moisture will also extend further south into the Rockies with heavy snow for higher terrain in Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. Lower elevation resorts in the Northern Rockies could see rain mix in at times as warmer air arrives.

In the East, one to two disturbances will track across the Great Lakes and Northeast with light to moderate snow possible.

Outlook for Wed (Dec 10) to Sun (Dec 14):

A ridge of high pressure is expected to strengthen over the West Central U.S. with temperatures running above-average across nearly the entire West, while a cold airmass will persist in the East with additional snow chances for the Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, and New England.

In the West, California will stay mild and dry, and a trend toward warmer and drier conditions is also expected across Utah and Colorado, with limited snow chances.

To the north, an active storm track will continue across the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada with frequent moisture-laden storms possible. Although temperatures will still be on the milder side, significant mid to high elevation snow is possible in this region. 

Thanks so much for reading, and have a great weekend! Next update on Monday (December 8).

Alan Smith