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.
“Next storm cycle arrives 2/12-2/17 with feet of total accumulation for parts of the West. Smaller fronts precede this pattern.
In the Northeast, an active flow continues with 2-3 additional storm systems and heavy snow potential.Snow Timeline:
Big Sky: Late 2/13-AM 2/15(L), 2/16-2/18(M/H)
Wasatch: PM 2/11(L), PM 2/13-2/15(H), 2/17(M)
Tetons: 2/10(L), Late 2/13-AM 2/15(H), PM 2/16-2/17(H)
Colorado: PM 2/11-AM 2/12(H), 2/14-2/15(H)
Interior BC: 2/16-2/18(M)
PNW: 2/15-2/17(H)
Tahoe: 2/13-2/14(H)
Northeast: 2/13(M), PM 2/15-2/16(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.
Northeast Update
The Northeast is in the middle of a great snow pattern with multiple storm systems lined up. Jay Peak in northern Vermont has received over a foot of snow in the last 48 hours, surpassing Alta, Utah, for a season total of 285 inches. Due to lake-effect snow and incoming storm systems, expect continued snowfall in parts of northern Vermont.
Western US Overview
The West is relatively quiet, awaiting the next storm cycle. Light snow is present across Southwest Colorado, with potential for light accumulations. The upcoming storm cycle will move out of the Rockies into the Plains, bringing snow to Kansas and Nebraska and then rolling through the Ohio Valley, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast.
Best Days for Powder
Here’s a look at the best days to target for new powder in different regions. In the Wasatch, expect light snow tomorrow afternoon and night, with the main event arriving the afternoon/evening of February 13, continuing into February 14 and early February 15. The Tetons may see light snow today, with the main event late February 13 and another shot on February 16-17. Colorado’s potential snow arrives late on February 11 into February 12, with heavy snow and another shot of heavy snow on February 14-15. The Pacific Northwest, Interior BC, and Tahoe will have to wait until February 13-14 for a big storm, potentially bringing 2-3 feet from Tahoe to Mammoth. The Northeast should see moderate snow on February 13 and heavy snow on February 15-16.
Jet Stream Forecast
The jet stream is flowing from west to east, steering weather systems across the country. Expect action coming through the West early tomorrow, with a small storm moving through Wyoming, Idaho, and Montana, possibly clipping Utah and Colorado. A major storm system is expected around February 13, bringing heavy snow across the West and Inner Mountain region, diving into Utah and Colorado. This low will then move into the Plains and become a large storm for the Midwest, East Coast, and Northeast. Another storm system will dive out of the Northern Tier into the Inner Mountain around February 17.
Snow Accumulation Over Time
A small wave will pass through Wyoming and Colorado late February 10, moving into the Plains and becoming a storm system. Another wave comes down through Colorado late on February 11, becoming a storm system for the Plains, with snow moving into Chicago and the Northeast. The biggest storm of the series arrives late on February 13 and early on February 14, bringing major snow through the Sierra Nevada, Idaho, Pacific Northwest, Montana, Tetons, Wasatch, southern Utah, Arizona, and Western/Southwest Colorado. This moves into the Midwest and Great Lakes and becomes another storm. The pattern remains active with a Northwest flow, squeezing out snow across the Inner Mountain through February 15. Another storm hits the Pacific Northwest, Idaho, and Montana on February 16-17.
Official Forecast (Today Through February 16)
- Wasatch: 1-2 feet (potential to trend upward)
- Tetons: 16-18 inches
- Montana: 3-6 inches
- Idaho: Very light
- Interior BC & Pacific Northwest: Numbers will increase after February 16th
- Sierra (Tahoe to Mammoth): 1-2 to 3 feet
- Southern Utah & Arizona: Good snow
- Colorado (Western & Southwest): Generally 1-2 feet, with some places reaching 2-3 feet
- New Mexico (Ski Santa Fe & Angel Fire): 1-2 feet
- Northeast (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine): A foot of snow remaining, with some places more. Massachusetts 6-8 inches, New York State 10-14 inches.
