A rain/snow mix at Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada Range early in the week will give way to a major storm with colder temperatures mid-week. Snow totals at Tahoe resorts will range from 2 to 5 feet over the next 5 days.

Across the Northwest, resorts from Oregon to Washington to Coastal British Columbia will see another 1-3 feet of snow this week, and snow levels will remain low. 

Across the Interior West, ski resorts from Wyoming to Alberta and British Columbia will see 6-24 inches of snow over the next 5 days. The best snow conditions will be north of the border in Canada, while Southern Idaho to Western Wyoming and Northern Utah will see rain mixing in up to mid-elevations or higher at times.

Further south, Colorado will be on the outskirts of storms once again, with generally light snowfall expected.

Forecast for Monday (Dec 22):

To the north, a storm will bring heavy snow to Washington and British Columbia, with moderate snow extending into Alberta and Northern Idaho/Montana, and Oregon. Colder temperatures will support low snow levels and good-quality snow across these areas.

To the south, a warm storm will bring a mix of rain and snow to Tahoe and across parts of the Northern U.S. Rockies, including Southern Idaho and the Tetons in Western Wyoming. 

In the East, a weak storm will track across the Upper Midwest and into New England with generally light snow showers expected. 

Forecast for Tuesday (Dec 23):

Heavy snow will linger across Coastal British Columbia early on Tuesday. Otherwise, the West will be in between storms with some light snow showers in some areas. 

In the East, a storm will strengthen as it moves into the Northeast with moderate snow developing across the Northern Mid-Atlantic, New England, and Southeast Canada.

Forecast for Wednesday (Dec 24):

A strong storm will begin to impact California with heavy snow developing across the Sierra Nevada Range and Tahoe, and snow levels will also be much lower (below ski resort bases) as colder air arrives.

Moisture from this storm will also reach the Central Rockies, but unseasonably warm air further inland will result in a rain/snow mix across Northern Utah, Southern Idaho, and Western Wyoming.

To the north, a storm will also reach the Cascades and Western Canada with snow developing. The Interior of British Columbia and the Canadian Rockies in Alberta look favored for the highest snowfall totals in this region.

Snow will also linger across the Northeast early on Wednesday as a storm exits.

Forecast for Thursday (Dec 25):

A storm will continue to slam the Sierra Nevada Range, with lighter snow showers to the north across the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. 

Across the Rockies, Utah, Southern Idaho, and Western Wyoming will continue to experience a rain/snow mix, while light snow will also develop further east across Colorado. 

Forecast for Friday (Dec 26):

Tahoe will continue to see heavy snow on Friday before eventually tapering off on Friday night. A cold front will also move across the Interior West, leading to lower snow levels with all snow (instead of a rain/snow mix) across the Rockies. 

Another storm is projected to move into the Northeast with snow chances arising, but confidence is low in the timing and storm track, and there is a chance that rain or mixed precipitation could factor in.

Outlook for Sat (Dec 27) to Wed (Dec 31):

Medium-range models begin to diverge on the big picture pattern for this weekend and next week.

Generally speaking, there are some signs of a split flow storm track with storms continuing to favor the Northwest, but with some potential for storms over the Southwest as well.

In the East, snow will remain possible for New England and Southeast Canada, though models are in poor agreement on temperatures, which adds some uncertainty. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Wednesday (December 24).

Alan Smith 

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