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.
“Feet of snow accumulation 12/26-12/30 for PNW/ID/WY/Wasatch/C+N CO.
Rich moisture and strong jet.Snow Timeline:
Wasatch: Late 12/24-12/25(M/H), 12/26-12/29(H)
Tetons: 12/25(L), 12/26-12/30(H)
Colorado: 12/25(L), 12/26(L), 12/27(M), PM 12/29-12/30(M)
Tahoe: 12/24(M/H), PM 12/26-12/27(M/H), 12/29(H)
Interior BC: 12/24-12/25(L), 12/26(M), 12/27-12/28(M), 12/30(L), 1/1-1/2(M)
Northeast: 12/24(L), 12/29-12/30(R/S), 1/1(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.
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
A white Christmas is in store for many ski resorts across the Western United States. Light to moderate snowfall is expected in the Wasatch Range, with Alta and other resorts in Little and Big Cottonwood Canyons potentially receiving up to 6 inches of fresh powder on Christmas Day. Colorado will see light snow on Christmas, setting the stage for more significant accumulations later in the week.
Major Snow Event: December 26-30
A series of storm systems will bring substantial snowfall to many ski areas from December 26-30. This period is expected to be colder, with the rain-snow line dropping as colder air moves in. Here’s a breakdown of expected accumulations:
- Wasatch Range (Utah): Up to 3 feet at Alta, Snowbird, Brighton, and Solitude
- Tetons (Wyoming): 2-3 feet
- Montana: 10-20 inches widespread, including Bridger Bowl, Big Sky, and Whitefish
- Colorado: 1-2 feet in central and northern mountains, including Vail, Summit County, and Winter Park
- California: 10-20 inches between Mammoth and Tahoe, with 3-4 feet at Mt. Shasta
- Pacific Northwest: Potentially 4-6 feet in some areas
- Interior British Columbia: 10-20 inches
- Idaho: 2-2.5 feet possible
Jet Stream Pattern
A favorable jet stream pattern will establish itself, bringing moisture-rich air to the Western United States. This setup will particularly benefit Northern California, the Pacific Northwest, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado’s central to northern mountains.
Northeast Outlook
The Northeast will face challenges with a rain event from December 29-30. While this will limit snow accumulations, ski resorts in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine could still see 3-6 inches of new snow.
