Weather
This forecast was created at 7 a.m. PST on Tuesday, March 4, 2025
A series of mostly modest storm systems will track across the Northern Rockies this week, favoring higher elevations with light to moderate snowfall and occasionally gusty winds. Conditions should become milder heading into the weekend, with the potential for more wintry weather returning in the extended period as cold and unsettled patterns linger.
Lingering snow showers kick off the forecast period. Light snowfall is expected this Tuesday, mainly over passes and higher peaks. Snow levels generally hover around 3,000 to 5,000 feet, keeping most valley locations on the fringe with minimal accumulation. In the Idaho Panhandle region, only a few inches of fresh snow are likely at higher elevations, with some spots in Washington’s Cascades also picking up modest amounts. Overall, the snowfall quality for these early-week showers should be fair, with snow-to-liquid ratios hovering near or slightly above 10:1.
A more substantial midweek system arrives Wednesday night into Thursday. Moisture pushes in from the west, delivering widespread snow to central and southern parts of the region. Snow levels initially hover between 4,500 and 5,500 feet, but colder air filters in later, allowing lower elevations to pick up light accumulations. In portions of southeast Idaho and the Bear River Range, significant totals could push past a foot or more, especially across the highest ridgelines. Brisk northwesterly winds may accompany this system in open terrain, potentially affecting the quality of deeper snow in wind-prone areas. Across western Wyoming, look for moderate accumulations in spots like Jackson Hole, with snow-to-liquid ratios around 12–14:1, yielding fairly nice consistency.
Snowfall tapers for most areas Friday into the weekend. Residual showers could linger into Friday morning, but totals look minimal. Modest warming and lighter precipitation arrive on Saturday and Sunday, with only patchy snowfall expected in the mountains. The extended outlook into next week points toward a continued cooler and potentially active pattern, fueled by a broad trough over the West. Below-average temperatures and above-normal precipitation could bring another round of meaningful snowfall to the Northern Rockies later in the period.
Resort Forecast Totals
- Jackson Hole – 4–7” Wed night (03/05) – Fri (03/07)
- Grand Targhee – 2–5” Thu (03/06) – Fri (03/07)
- Schweitzer – 1–3” Tue night (03/04) – Wed (03/05)
