Weather
A series of waves will continue to bring new snow and generally below-average temperatures across the Northern Rockies over the next week. Expect multiple rounds of moderate to heavy snow, especially over higher elevations, with periods of gusty winds. Overall, conditions should remain favorable for powder enthusiasts, though snow levels will fluctuate at times, particularly later in the weekend. Looking longer term, the active pattern likely persists into next week, with continued opportunities for fresh snowfall.
Friday Snow Showers: Lingering instability will produce light snow and occasional graupel across higher terrain, with snow levels around valley floors early, briefly rising to around 3,000 feet later. Though accumulations will be modest, expect an inch or two in some areas through the afternoon. Snowfall rates should taper off later in the day, but scattered snow showers may persist in the mountains into early evening. Snow quality will be reasonably good thanks to SLRs mostly above 10:1, although the modest intensity means totals remain on the lower side.
Saturday into Early Sunday Storm: A stronger system arrives Saturday, delivering moderate to heavy snowfall to many mountain areas. Snow levels remain fairly low but may nudge upward slightly with the influx of moisture. Western ranges in northern Idaho and western Montana are poised for the heaviest accumulations, with a solid shot at over half a foot by late Sunday in favored terrain. Many spots will see SLRs around the 10–14:1 range, supporting decent snow quality. Gusty westerly or southwesterly winds, potentially up to 35 mph in some spots, may impact the riding experience at times, especially on exposed slopes.
Late Sunday through Monday Surge: The system evolves into a prolonged moisture feed, bringing additional mountain snow through Monday. As snow levels edge upward (around 4,000 feet in northern zones and near 6,000 feet farther south), some lower mountain bases may mix with rain, though mid to upper elevations should still pick up meaningful snow. Storm totals could exceed a foot in higher elevations of Idaho and northwestern Wyoming by Monday. Winds are also likely to remain brisk, with some areas seeing gusts past 40 mph. Overnight into Tuesday, a colder trough is expected to swing in, dropping temperatures and keeping snow showers going in many mountain locations.
Tuesday into Middle to Late Next Week: The unsettled pattern persists with more chances for fresh snow, particularly in the higher elevations. While some breaks in precipitation are possible, temperatures should remain near or below seasonal averages through midweek, supporting decent snow quality. Farther out, forecast guidance favors continued unsettled weather, with a potential warmer system developing late next week. In the 6-10 and 8-14 day time frames, above-normal precipitation looks likely in much of the northern and western mountains, with below-normal temperatures leaning in the mountains of the Northwest. That should open the door for continued snowfall opportunities well into the extended period.
Resort Forecast Totals
- Brundage – 17″–27” Fri night (03/14) – Tue (03/18)
- Grand Targhee – 14″–23” Fri night (03/14) – Wed (03/19)
- Bogus Basin – 11″–17” Fri night (03/14) – Tue (03/18)
- Jackson Hole – 10″–16” Fri night (03/14) – Tue night (03/18)
- Schweitzer – 10″–16” Fri night (03/14) – Mon night (03/17)
- Sun Valley – 8″–13” Fri night (03/14) – Tue (03/18)
- Whitefish Mountain – 7″–11” Fri night (03/14) – Mon night (03/17)
- Big Sky – 5″–11” total (1″–3” Sat (03/15) – Sun night (03/16) + 4″–8” Sun night (03/16) – Wed (03/19))
- Bridger Bowl – 3″–7” total (1–2” Sat night (03/15) – Sun (03/16) + 2″–5” Sun night (03/16) – Tue night (03/18))
