Weather
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“First atmospheric river (moderate intensity) is on tap 11/20-11/23 targeting the Sierra, Cascades and high volcanoes for feet of accumulation. Overrun snow from this pattern hits ID/MT/WY/UT/CO through 11/28.
Snow Timeline:
Wasatch: Late 11/23-11/25(L/M)
Tetons: 11/19(L), 11/21(L), 11/23(M), 11/24-11/25(L), 11/28(H)
Colorado: 11/19(L), PM 11/24-11/26(H)
Tahoe: 11/20-11/21(H), PM 11/22-11/24(H), 11/25(M)
Interior BC: 11/20(L), 11/22-11/23(H), 11/27(H)”
Brief highlights are below, but please watch the full video for the in-depth forecast, and while you’re there, subscribe and support the fantastic work that Chris Tomer does.
Current Conditions
Snow is falling across several mountain regions, with notable accumulations:
- Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole: About 13 inches overnight, potentially another 1-2 inches.
- Vail Pass and Loveland Ski Area: 2-3 inches, with another 1-2 inches expected.
- Colorado: Generally 2-5 inches total from this minor storm system.
Upcoming Weather Pattern
An atmospheric river event is developing, which will bring significant precipitation to the West Coast and interior mountain ranges:
- Moderate intensity atmospheric river from November 20-23.
- Three to four storm systems will carry moisture into interior states.
- The largest snowfall totals are expected in the Sierra, Cascades, and volcanoes, with significant amounts also likely in interior mountain ranges.
Regional Forecast Highlights
Tetons:
- Light accumulation today (Nov 19)
- Light snow on Nov 21
- Moderate intensity on Nov 23
- Light snow on Nov 24-25
- Heavy snow is expected on Nov 28
Tahoe:
- Heavy snow Nov 20-21 (initial atmospheric river surge)
- Heavy snow Nov 22-24
- Moderate accumulations on Nov 25
Utah (Alta area):
- Light additional snow this morning (about half an inch)
- Dry conditions until the morning of Nov 22
Colorado:
- Light leftover snow today, then drying out
- Effects of the atmospheric river begin to move in after a couple of dry days
Snowfall Projections (Nov 20-28)
- Mount Shasta: Potential for three feet
- Tahoe area and Mammoth: Up to two feet
- Cascades and BC: Up to two feet
- Interior BC (e.g., Fernie, Red Mountain, Kicking Horse): 1-2 feet potential
- Sun Valley and Brundage: 8-14 inches
- Wasatch Range: 6-12 inches
- Colorado (especially the western slope): 1-2 feet potential
