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 system hits PM 2/6-2/7 CA/ID/MT/WY/UT/CO. This storm system is a notch colder than previous storm systems. Wind gusts ramp up 50-80mph.
Active pattern through mid-February, and this includes the Northeast as well.Snow Timeline:
Big Sky: 2/7(M/H)
Wasatch: 2/7(H), 2/13-2/14(H)
Tetons: 2/7(H), 2/13-2/14(H)
Colorado: 2/8(L/M), AM 2/9(L), 2/11-2/15(H)
Interior BC: 2/9(L)
PNW: 2/6(L), 2/8(L)
Tahoe: PM 2/6-AM 2/7(H)
Northeast: 2/6(L/M), PM 2/8-2/9(M/H), 2/13(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.
Recent Weather Events
Big Sky, Montana, experienced extreme weather yesterday. The area saw incredible temperature swings, with temperatures dropping 40-50 degrees as a cold front hit. Wind gusts reached up to 88 mph, causing the tram to be put on wind hold. Ski patrol triggered a massive inbounds avalanche, with an impressively large crown visible in shared photos.
Current Weather Patterns
A third and final storm system of the current batch is moving onshore in California. This storm promises to be the coldest so far, potentially delivering better snow accumulation to more areas, including Colorado and the Tetons. The Northeast is experiencing ice, sleet, and snow, with nasty conditions affecting much of the region.
Forecast for Popular Ski Areas
Alta, Utah, can expect calm conditions today, with winds building in the afternoon. The storm system will arrive on Friday, February 7, bringing winds up to 50-55 mph and a forecasted 6-10 inches of snow. Temperatures will plummet after the storm, leading to cold but fantastic powder conditions on Saturday.
The Tetons (including Jackson Hole) are forecasted to receive about 10 inches of snow. Wind gusts could reach 60-65 mph on Friday, with temperatures dropping below zero on Saturday.
Long-term Outlook
The jet stream pattern indicates an active weather system through mid-February. Multiple storm systems are expected to move from west to east, bringing snow to both western and eastern ski areas. The Sierra Nevada, Pacific Northwest, and Northeast will likely see significant snowfall in the coming days.
Accumulation Forecasts
- Wasatch Range: 6-10 inches
- Tetons: 10 inches
- Montana (Big Sky, Bridger Bowl): 6-7 inches
- Sierra Nevada (Heavenly, Kirkwood, Mammoth): 12-15 inches
- Colorado: Light accumulations in central and northern mountains, with potentially heavier snowfall from February 11-15
- Northeast (Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine): 6-10 inches, with additional heavy accumulation expected beyond February 9
The overall pattern looks favorable for skiers and snowboarders, with active weather systems continuing through mid-February.
