An active but messy pattern is expected across the Northwest and Northern Rockies this week. A series of storms involving subtropical moisture will bring significant precipitation, but snow levels will be quite high at times, with rain issues for many ski resorts.

Ski areas in Washington and the Inland Northwest will see heavy snow at times, pending elevation, but then rain will also fall up to near resort summits during warmer stretches. Even Interior ski resorts across the Northern and Central Rockies will see rain up to mid-mountain or higher during the middle of this week.

Canadian ski resorts located at higher elevations will be the most resilient to rain issues in this pattern and will see the deepest snow totals add up over time.

Favored ski resorts this week include:

• Whistler (mid to upper mountain)
• Revelstoke (mid to upper mountain)
• Kicking Horse
• Whitewater
• Banff Sunshine
• Lake Louise

Forecast for Monday (Dec 8):

A strong storm involving an atmospheric river will impact the Northwest and Canada with heavy rain and snow expected. Light snow will fall across the Central Rockies.

In the East, a storm will bring snow to the Southern Appalachians. The Upper Midwest will also see a quick storm with snow, favoring Northern Minnesota.  

Forecast for Tuesday (Dec 9):

Heavy snow and rain can be expected across the Northwest and Northern Rockies as multiple storm systems loaded with subtropical moisture move through. A stronger storm will also bring snow to the Midwest, with snow reaching the Northeast on Tuesday night.

Forecast for Wednesday (Dec 10):

More of the same can be expected across the West, with snow and rain for the Northwest and Northern Rockies. Snow levels will be unusually high in the Rockies, with rain expected up to mid-mountain (or higher) at places such as Big Sky, Jackson Hole, and Steamboat. 

In the East, a storm will continue to impact the Great Lakes, New York, and New England with heavy snow possible for some areas.

Forecast for Thursday (Dec 11):

Lingering snow and rain will continue across the Northwest and the Rockies as the pattern begins to relax somewhat in terms of moisture and precipitation rates. Temperatures will remain mild, however.

In the East, a cold and unsettled pattern will continue with multiple disturbances expected to bring snow to parts of the Mid-Atlantic, New England, and Midwest. 

Forecast for Friday (Dec 12):

Another storm is expected across the Northwest and Northern Rockies. Confidence in the details is low, but for now, it looks like the Interior regions of Canada and areas east of the Divide in Montana will be favored for snow along with colder temperatures. 

In the East, an unsettled pattern will remain with additional snow chances, but confidence in the details is low.

Outlook for Sat (Dec 13) to Wed (Dec 17):

The pattern this weekend and into early next week looks to feature more of the same with widespread above-normal temperatures across the West and below-normal temperatures across the East.

In the West, the storm track will continue to favor the Pacific Northwest and Canada. Temperatures look to be on the milder side, which could lead to additional snow level issues, though some models are projecting cooler temperatures, so we'll see how this shakes out as we get closer.

To the south, the Sierra and the U.S. Rockies look to see a much drier pattern with limited snow chances and continued warm temperatures. 

In the East, excellent early-season skiing conditions will continue as temperatures remain colder than average, with additional snow opportunities also expected.

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Wednesday (December 10).

Alan Smith