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 Wasatch/Tetons/C+N Colorado with additional 1-3 inches this morning and strong wind gusts. Next storm system arrives PM 1/1-1/2.
Snow Timeline:
Wasatch: AM 12/30(L), PM 1/1-1/2(L/M), 1/4(H)
Tetons: AM 12/30(L), PM 1/1-1/2(M/H), 1/3-1/5(H)
Colorado: AM 12/30(L), Late 1/1-1/2(L), 1/4-1/5(M/H)
Tahoe: 1/3-1/4(M)
Interior BC: PM 12/30-1/3(L/M), 1/4-1/5(L/M)
Northeast: AM 12/30(Rain), 1/1-1/2(H)”
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 Across the West
Powder days will continue across the Wasatch, Tetons, and Central and Northern mountains of Colorado. Solitude in Utah reports 5 inches of fresh snow in the last 24 hours, with Alta receiving up to 8 inches. An additional 1-3 inches of accumulation is expected this morning before tapering off.
Tetons and Colorado
Jackson Hole in the Tetons has received a whopping 11 inches in the last 24 hours, bringing the storm cycle total to 2-3 feet. Snow continues to fall, with more accumulation expected. In Colorado, Breckenridge is experiencing windy conditions with gusts up to 60-70 mph at tree line while snow continues to accumulate. Aspen Snowmass and Vail are reporting 2-5 inches of new snow, with an additional 1-3 inches possible this morning.
Upcoming Snow Timeline
The next significant snowfall is expected on New Year’s Day and night for the Wasatch, Tetons, and Colorado. Light to moderate snow is forecasted for the Wasatch, moderate to heavy for the Tetons, and light snow for Colorado. Another potentially moderate to heavy snowfall is anticipated around January 3-4 for these areas.
Extended Forecast
The weather pattern remains active throughout the West through January 5-6. Storm systems will continue to bring snow to the interior Rockies, with the Tetons, Wasatch, and Central and Northern mountains of Colorado remaining in the target zone. Ski areas in Idaho, Montana, and interior British Columbia are also expected to receive significant snowfall.
Northeast Outlook
After some lingering rain, a cold air mass will move into the Northeast, bringing heavy snow on January 1-2. Ski areas in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine could receive a foot or more of snow during this period.
Accumulation Forecast
From January 1-7, impressive snow totals are expected across the West:
- Sierra: 6-8 inches from Tahoe up to Shasta
- Pacific Northwest: 1-2 feet
- Wasatch: About a foot
- Tetons: Up to 2 feet
- Colorado: 4-12 inches for most locations along I-70 and north
- Idaho and Montana: Up to a foot at resorts like Brundage, Sun Valley, and Whitefish
- Interior British Columbia: 6-12 inches
This active weather pattern promises excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions across many Western resorts in the coming days. Enthusiasts should prepare for some epic powder days ahead.
