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.
“Stormtrack favors northern CA/PNW/BC/ID/WY/MT. CO & UT are now excluded. Snow moving into ID/WY/Tahoe/PNW 12/16. Heavy snow accumulation hits Tetons PM 12/16-12/17, and Interior BC PM 12/17-12/18.
Snow Timeline:
Wasatch: PM 12/16-12/17(L), 12/25(L)
Tetons: PM 12/16-12/17(H), 12/22(L/M)
Colorado: 12/17(L)
Tahoe: PM 12/16(M), 12/21(M/H), 12/24(M/H)
Interior BC: 12/16(L), PM 12/17-12/18(H), 12/19(L), 12/23-12/24(L)
Northeast: 12/16(L), 12/17(R/S), 12/18-12/19(L), 12/20-12/21(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.
Western Storm Track Shifts North
The Western storm track is nudging further north, impacting snowfall distribution. This shift means that areas north of an angled line will receive the heaviest snow, potentially excluding much of Utah and Colorado from significant snowfall.
Regional Snowfall Predictions
Interior BC is expected to have excellent conditions with heavy snowfall in the forecast. Revelstoke, in particular, is set for a big powder day by December 18, with more storms potentially on the way.
The Tetons are lined up for moderate to heavy snow accumulation. Heavy snowfall is predicted from this afternoon into tomorrow, with light to moderate snow expected on December 22.
Tahoe and the Sierra Nevada region will see additional snow, with a storm intensifying by midday to afternoon today. The forecast predicts 6 to 12 inches through Mammoth and Tahoe, with potentially more on Shasta between December 18 and 25.
Utah and Colorado will likely see less significant snowfall due to the northward shift of the storm track. Alta ski area at 9,000 ft might see only half an inch to an inch of snow. Northern Colorado, particularly Steamboat and Routt County, may receive some accumulation due to northwest flow.
The Northeast’s chances for heavy snow have diminished. The forecast predicts light snow accumulation, with 4 to 8 inches expected through much of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, and Upstate New York between December 18 and 21.
Looking Ahead to Christmas
Snow will fall through the Sierra, Idaho, Northwest Montana, and Nevada on Christmas morning. This continues the active weather pattern leading to the holiday season.
