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.
“Powder day Tetons/MT/ID/BC! Heavy snow hits Interior BC PM 12/17-12/18. CO dirty NW flow with light snow accumulation I-70 & North 12/17.
Snow Timeline:
Wasatch: AM 12/17(L), 12/24-12/25(M/H)
Tetons: AM 12/17(H), 12/22-12/25(L/M)
Colorado: 12/17(L), 12/25-12/26(L/M)
Tahoe: 12/21-12/22(L), 12/23(M), 12/24(H)
Interior BC: PM 12/17-12/18(H), 12/19(L), 12/23-12/25(M/H)
Northeast: 12/18-12/19(L), 12/20(L), 12/25(L/M)”
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.
Powder Days and Upcoming Storms
It’s a powder day in several locations, with Jackson Hole reporting about a foot of new snow in the last 24 hours. The resort now has a season total of 113 inches at the summit. Big Sky is reporting 7 inches of new snow, while Steamboat is experiencing light snowfall. Revelstoke is also enjoying a powder day, with heavy snow expected to continue.
Current Conditions and Storm Systems
A light northwest flow is bringing snow to parts of Idaho, northern Utah, and Colorado. The next major storm system is approaching the Pacific Northwest, which will bring heavy snow to parts of British Columbia. Salt Lake City is seeing very light precipitation, with 0-1 inch of accumulation expected.
Two significant storm systems are lined up for the coming days. The first will primarily affect the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, while the second is expected to impact California more directly. A storm system is also forecast for December 24-25, potentially bringing a white Christmas to many ski areas.
Season-to-Date Snowfall Totals
Several resorts are reporting impressive season-to-date snowfall totals:
- Revelstoke: 169 inches
- Whistler Blackcomb: 141 inches
- Copper Mountain: 115 inches
- Jackson Hole: 112-113 inches
- Palisades Tahoe: 108 inches
- Alta: 105 inches
- Snowmass: 100 inches
Forecast for Key Regions
Interior British Columbia can expect heavy snow through tomorrow, with light snow on the 19th and potentially moderate to heavy snow from December 23-25. Colorado will see light snow today and light to moderate snow on December 25-26. The Wasatch range may experience moderate to heavy snow on December 24-25.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Outlook
A significant storm system is expected to affect the Western United States on December 24-25. This system is likely to bring snow to California, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, and eventually Colorado. Skiers and snowboarders can look forward to fresh powder for the holidays.
Extended Forecast
From December 19-26, substantial snowfall is predicted for many ski areas:
- Sierra Nevada: About 12 inches
- Wasatch Range: 6-10 inches
- Colorado mountains: Up to 8 inches
- Tetons: 5-10 inches
- Pacific Northwest and BC: 1-2 feet (Whistler, Baker, Crystal, Rainier, Stevens)
- Revelstoke: Potential for 2 feet total
The Northeast is expected to see lighter snow accumulations, with some chances for light to moderate snow around December 25.
What about the NW, you barely cover us. No snow levels or nothing. Done with you!