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 major storm system hitting the PNW/CA 11/22-11/23 with heavy snow accumulation (above 7,000ft for Tahoe). Then another storm system drags the storm track further south and targets UT/CO with heaviest accumulation. Less in WY/ID/MT.
Snow Timeline:
Wasatch: PM 11/23-11/24(L), 11/26-11/27(H)
Tetons: 11/23-11/24(M), 11/26(M/H)
Colorado: PM 11/24-11/25(L), 11/26-11/27(H)
Tahoe: PM 11/22-11/23(H), 11/26(M/H)
Interior BC: PM 11/22-11/23(M/H), 11/25(L), 11/27(L)”
Here are the main highlights from the forecast, but please check out the full video for a detailed forecast and to support Chris Tomer.
- Related: SnowBrains Forecast: Active Week Ahead for the Wasatch
- Related: SnowBrains Forecast: Messy Early Season Snow for the Northeast
- Related: SnowBrains Forecast: California To Get Slammed with 5+ Feet Fresh Snow
A significant winter storm system is moving into the Pacific Northwest and Northern California. This storm brings an atmospheric river of moisture, promising substantial snowfall for many popular ski destinations. The storm is part of three systems that will affect the western United States from November 23 through November 28.
Storm System Overview
The storm is characterized as a moderate-intensity atmospheric river. It’s expected to bring copious amounts of rain and snow to the region, with the moisture flow described as a “fire hose” slamming against the terrain features of the West Coast.
Regional Forecasts
Heavy snow will start this afternoon in the Tahoe Region and continue tomorrow. Tahoe’s key snow level is about 7,000 feet, with the best snow accumulation at or above this elevation.
The Pacific Northwest and Northern California are currently experiencing the brunt of the storm. Heavy precipitation is affecting the Cascades and moving into parts of British Columbia and Idaho.
For Utah (including Alta, Snowbird, Solitude, and Brighton), an initial wave of 4-6 inches is expected late on the 23rd into the 24th. Heavier snowfall is anticipated on the 26th and 27th. Temperatures are expected to cool as the snow moves in.
Colorado is forecast to receive light to moderate snow accumulation on the 24th-25th, with the heaviest snowfall expected on the 26th-27th. There’s potential for 1-2 feet of accumulation across various resorts, including Loveland, Winter Park, Steamboat, and Aspen.
Snowfall Projections (November 24 to December 1)
The Wasatch Range is expected to receive 15-20 inches of snow, and the Tetons and Big Sky area are projected to get 6-12 inches. Colorado resorts, especially along the Continental Divide and I-70 corridor, could see 1-2 feet of snow, andย Mammoth might receive a foot or more.
Outlook
The storm track is expected to shift southward as the systems progress. By the end of the month, it may align more with Nevada, California, Utah, and Colorado. High-pressure ridging is forecast to develop across the West Coast by December 1, which may signal a period of calmer weather.
