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.
“UT/WY/CO light snow accumulation 12/9 and lingering into early 12/10 in CO.
Northeast, light snow accumulation afternoon/evening 12/9. Then rain likely 12/11 at all elevations.
Snow Timeline:
Wasatch: 12/9(L), Late 12/12-12/13(L), 12/14-12/15(M/H)
Tetons: 12/9(L), 12/14-12/15(M/H)
Colorado: 12/9(L), 12/13(L/M), 12/15(L)
Tahoe: 12/12(L), 12/14(H), 12/16(L)
Interior BC: 12/9(L), 12/12-12/13(L), 12/14-12/15(M)
Northeast: PM 12/9(L), 12/11(Rain), 12/12(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.
Light snow is falling across several popular ski destinations, with more snowfall expected in the coming days. Alta Ski area in Utah’s Wasatch Front is experiencing light snowfall, with under an inch of accumulation expected today. Jackson Hole has reported five inches of new snow in the last 24 hours, bringing their season total to 73 inches.
Colorado and Northeast Outlook
Colorado’s Continental Divide is experiencing a “shrouding effect” with on-and-off snow showers, expected to continue throughout the day and possibly into tomorrow morning. Loveland Ski Area has received an inch of accumulation and will likely see another one to two inches. The Northeast is bracing for a storm system that may bring a mix of rain and snow, with light to moderate accumulation expected for major ski areas tonight.
Upcoming Weather Patterns
The weather pattern is becoming more active after December 12-13. Storm systems are expected to affect California and eventually bring moisture to interior parts of Nevada, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado from December 13-15 and beyond. There’s a possibility of an atmospheric river component around December 14-15, which could intensify one of the incoming storm systems.
Regional Forecasts
The Wasatch range can expect light snow accumulation today, with potentially moderate to heavy snowfall on December 14-15. Colorado is forecasted to have light snow today, light to moderate on December 13, and light snow on December 15. The Northeast may see light snow accumulation this afternoon and tonight, followed by a chance of rain on December 11 as warmer air moves in, before turning back to snow that night.
Extended Forecast (December 13-18)
The Western United States is looking at a more promising period for snowfall from December 13-18. Sierra Nevada could see 8-14 inches from Mammoth to Tahoe, potentially more at Mount Shasta. The Pacific Northwest and high Cascades are also expecting significant snowfall. Interior British Columbia might receive a foot or more at Revelstoke, with 6-8 inches predicted for Kicking Horse, Fernie, and RED Mountain. Idaho could see 8-12 inches, the Tetons 6-10 inches, and the Wasatch range 8-12 inches. Colorado is looking at potential accumulations of 3-8 inches.
