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.
“Leftover CO snow (light to moderate accumulation) AM 11/27 then storm exits and turns into a storm system for the Northeast 11/28-11/29.
High pressure ridge builds across the West 11/28-12/6. It looks dry except for British Columbia.Snow Timeline:
Wasatch:
Tetons:
Colorado: 11/27(L/M)
Tahoe:
Interior BC: 11/28-11/30(L), 12/5-12/6(H)
Northeast: 11/28-11/29(M/H), 12/1-12/2(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.
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Recent Snowfall and Current Conditions
Alta, Utah, has received a storm total of 15 inches of snow. The snowfall was initially slow due to southwest winds, but it picked up later, bringing 8-12 inches of fresh powder. In Big Cottonwood Canyon, Solitude has reported about 13 inches over the last 48 hours.
Colorado ski resorts have seen significant snowfall. Crested Butte reported 31 inches in the last 48 hours, while Aspen resorts (Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, and Buttermilk) received 33 inches. Higher elevations and areas towards Irwin may have received up to 40-50 inches. Vail has received two feet in two days.
Weather Patterns and Forecast
The current storm system is moving out of Colorado. This morning, some light to moderate snow is expected in Colorado before drier air moves in. Utah’s Wasatch range will see the storm end with some lingering lake-effect snow.
A high-pressure ridge is building across the West from November 28 through December 6, resulting in long, dry weather for many Western ski areas. However, Interior British Columbia can expect light accumulations from November 28-30 and heavy snowfall on January 25-26.
The Northeast is expecting a storm system on November 28-29. While initial forecasts were more optimistic, current predictions suggest 4-12 inches for most ski areas, with some potentially receiving up to 12 inches.
Temperature Outlook
Colorado mountain areas will experience very cold nights in the immediate future. Temperatures in high mountain valleys and peaks could drop to 15-20 below zero. Breckenridge, for example, is forecasted to hit -16°F tomorrow morning. However, temperatures are expected to warm by next week, with highs above freezing.
Extended Forecast
The jet stream forecast indicates a shift in weather patterns. After the storm moves out, a high-pressure ridge will build across the West Coast, directing storm systems into parts of Canada and British Columbia through December 6. This suggests a dry period for many U.S. ski resorts in the coming week.
