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.
“I look into mid-February with an active pattern and feet of accumulation. We could see at least two large storm systems 2/12-2/16. Currently (2/7), a storm system is sliding through the Intermountain West with wind and snow accumulation.
In the Northeast, the pattern looks loaded through 2/15 with heavy snow accumulation potential.Snow Timeline:
Big Sky: 2/7(M/H), 2/13-2/14(H)
Wasatch: 2/7(H), 2/13-2/15(H)
Tetons: 2/7(M/H), AM 2/9(L), 2/13-2/15(H)
Colorado: 2/8-AM 2/9(L/M), 2/10(M), PM 2/11(L), 2/13-2/14(H)
Interior BC: 2/8-2/9(L), 2/15-2/16(M)
PNW: 2/8(L), 2/15-2/16(H)
Tahoe: AM 2/7(L), 2/13(H)
Northeast: 2/7(L), PM 2/8-2/9(M/H), 2/13(M/H), 2/15(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.
Mid-February Mountain Weather Update
Overview
This update covers the period leading into mid-February, highlighting an active weather pattern with significant snowfall expected. The forecast focuses on the western US, particularly the Rockies, but also touches on potential impacts for the Midwest and Northeast.
Current Conditions and Near-Term Forecast
Big Sky, Montana, is reporting three inches of new snow, with another 3-5 inches expected. In Utah, the Wasatch Front (including areas like Alta, Snowbird, and Solitude) is anticipated to receive 5-10 inches of snow. Jackson Hole in the Tetons has seen 6 inches in the last 24 hours and could get an additional 5-8 inches.
Radar Analysis
The current storm system is impacting parts of Oregon, Idaho, and Montana. The plume is targeting the Tetons, with the Wasatch Front on the southern periphery. Light snow showers are moving through the Northeast.
Longer-Range Pattern
A significant trough of low pressure is developing, which will contribute to a very active pattern across the West. This system will bring snow to the Wasatch and potentially light to moderate accumulations to the south-central and northern mountains of Colorado. As it moves eastward, it will become a snow and ice storm for the Midwest and Northeast.
Specific Locations
Areas around Jenny Lake in Wyoming (8,600 feet) could see about a foot of snow. Winds are expected to be strong (60-65 mph), with temperatures dropping below zero tomorrow morning. Brighton, Utah (9,100 feet) is forecasted to receive 4-5 inches of snowfall today, with 5-10 inches possible in the Little and Big Cottonwood Canyon area. Wind gusts could reach 40-50 mph, with temperatures dropping into the single digits tomorrow morning.
Jet Stream Analysis
The jet stream forecast indicates a series of storm systems moving through the Intermountain West. A storm system will slide through the Inner Mountain today and Colorado on Saturday, then move out. Another area of low pressure will impact California, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado on Sunday. The “big pattern” arrives late on February 13th, bringing a significant trough and strong storm cycle to the Inner Mountain region.
Snow Accumulation Over Time
Snow is expected to fall from the Sierra to Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming. The storm will then move south, hitting the Wasatch and the central and northern mountains of Colorado. The energy will eventually slide out to the Midwest and Northeast.
Snowfall Forecasts (Through Feb 9)
The Wasatch and Tetons are expected to receive 6-10 inches of snow. Montana may see 2-5 inches. Interior BC could get minimal snowfall, while Sun Valley, Brundage, and Bogus Basin in Idaho may receive 4-5 inches. Timberline and Mount Bachelor in Oregon could see light snowfall. The central and northern mountains of Colorado are expected to get the most accumulation, mainly north of I-70. The Northeast is looking at 3-6 inches of accumulation.
Extended Forecast (Feb 10-15)
The Wasatch is projected to receive 1-2 feet of accumulation. The Tetons and Colorado could see a couple of feet, with some areas in Colorado potentially getting more (especially the west Elks). Areas around Aspen and Snowmass could also be favored. Snowball and Brian Head may see 10-20 inches. The Sierra is expected to get 2-3 feet of accumulation. The Northwest could receive 1-2 feet, and interior BC around 6 inches. Parts of Idaho and Montana are forecasted for 6-10 inches of accumulation.
