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.
“Arctic Cold Front hits MT/WY/CO/NM/UT 1/17-1/19 with snow accumulation and coldest air of the season so far (-15F to -25F air temps). A minor trailing cold front races through 1/19-1/20.
Snow Timeline:
Big Sky: 1/13(L), 1/17(M), 1/18-1/19(L)
Wasatch: PM 1/17-1/18(L)
Tetons: 1/17-1/19(L/M)
Colorado: PM 1/17-1/18(M/H), 1/19(L)
Tahoe:
Interior BC: 1/16(M)
Northeast: 1/13(L), 1/14(L/M), 1/18-1/19(L)”
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.
Big Sky and Northern Rockies
Big Sky, Montana, received 4-5 inches of snow in the past 24 hours, setting the stage for excellent skiing conditions. However, the main event is an arctic front expected to move south from British Columbia on January 17-19, bringing significant snowfall and extremely cold temperatures to Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.
Northeast
A clipper system is bringing light to moderate snow accumulations to the Northeast. Northern Vermont, parts of New York State (especially Snow Ridge and Whiteface), northern New Hampshire, and northern Maine are expected to benefit the most over the next few days.
Arctic Blast
The upcoming arctic front will bring air temperatures ranging from -5°F to -25°F to parts of Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado. Wind chills will be even colder. Denver could see nighttime lows of 10-15°F below zero, with single-digit highs for a few days. Higher elevations, like Breckenridge at 9,600 feet, may experience nighttime lows of 20-25°F below zero.
Snow Accumulation Forecast
The Wasatch range can expect 3-5 inches of snow. Wyoming resorts like Grand Targhee and Jackson Hole might see 6-8 inches. Montana resorts, including Red Lodge, Bridger Bowl, and Big Sky, could receive up to 8 inches. The central and northern mountains in Colorado may see significant snowfall, with some areas potentially receiving up to 14 inches.
Other Regions
Interior British Columbia resorts like Revelstoke could see up to 8 inches of snow on January 16-17. The Northeast is forecasted to receive 4-6 inches through central and northern Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, with Snow Ridge and Whiteface potentially seeing 6-8 inches. California and the Pacific Northwest are not expected to see significant storm systems during this period.
