Weather
Denver-based meteorologist Chris Tomer is one of the most accurate forecasters we know. Check out and subscribe to his mountain weather forecast videos to see where North America will get the most snow.
“Next storm system (Arctic Front) hits MT/WY/CO/NM/UT 1/17-1/19 with snow accumulation and very cold air.
Snow Timeline:
Big Sky: 1/17(M), 1/18-1/19(L)
Wasatch: Late 1/17-1/18(L)
Tetons: 1/17(L), 1/19(L)
Colorado: PM 1/17-1/18(M/H), 1/19(L)
Tahoe:
Interior BC: 1/16(M)
Northeast: 1/14(L), 1/18-1/19(L)”
Here are the main highlights from the forecast, but please check out the full video for a detailed forecast, more resort totals, and support for Chris Tomer.
Northeast Snow Bonanza
Jay Peak in Northern Vermont is experiencing an exceptional snow season. The resort has received 8 to 12 inches of new snow in the last 24 hours, bringing their 7-day total to 28 inches and their season total to an impressive 187 inches. This puts Jay Peak in competition with and even surpasses, some Western ski resorts in terms of snowfall.
The Northeast continues to receive snowfall from various sources. A combination of lake-effect snow from Lake Ontario, rotating snow over northern and central Vermont and parts of Maine, and an incoming storm system from the Midwest will contribute to additional light to moderate snow accumulation across the region.
Western U.S. Arctic Blast
A significant arctic front is set to impact the Western United States from January 17 to 19. This system will bring extremely cold temperatures and snowfall to areas from British Columbia through Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. Air temperatures are expected to plummet to between -5°F and -25°F, with some locations possibly reaching -30°F.
Colorado is expected to receive moderate to heavy snow accumulation. The front will arrive in the afternoon and evening of January 17 and 18, bringing storm and orographic snow. High elevations could see temperatures as low as -30°F to -40°F, which may result in fine, dust-like snow.
Snowfall Predictions
The Wasatch range can expect 2-4 inches, while the Tetons may see 3-4 inches. Colorado resorts are forecasted to receive higher amounts, with 8-10 inches predicted for Aspen Snowmass, Vail, Copper, and Summit County areas. Winter Park and Eldora could see up to a foot of snow.
Jay Peak could receive an additional 6-10 inches in the Northeast on top of their recent snowfall. Other areas in Southern Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Southern New York are expected to see lighter accumulations.
Temperature Warning
Skiers and snowboarders should prepare for extremely cold conditions in the Western mountains. High elevations in Colorado could see overnight lows of -30°F to -35°F, with even colder temperatures possible at the highest peaks. While the snow conditions may be excellent, proper precautions should be taken to stay safe in these frigid temperatures.
