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“Storm system with mountain snow possible 10/17-10/18, jet stream forecast, precipitation forecast through 10/19, and smoke forecast.”
Here’s a summary of the key points:
Colorado
Loveland Ski Area has begun testing its snow guns, signaling the start of snowmaking efforts. Other Colorado resorts, like A-Basin, Keystone, and Copper Mountain, are also preparing for early openings, waiting for colder overnight temperatures to begin snowmaking operations.
Northeast
Killington resort in the Northeast has already seen a touch of natural snow at its summit, indicating that winter conditions are starting to set in for the region.
Western United States
A minor storm system is expected to move into the Western U.S., increasing humidity and potentially bringing afternoon showers or snow showers to higher elevations. However, the more significant storm to watch is forecast for October 17-18, which could bring more substantial snowfall to the region.
Snowfall Predictions
The odds of snowfall are increasing for many Western ski areas from October 17-25, particularly for higher elevation resorts. Areas in Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Colorado are likely to see some accumulation during this period.
British Columbia
The current weather pattern continues to favor the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia, with ongoing chances for snowfall in these areas.
Additional Factors
Smoke from wildfires in various Western states may impact air quality and visibility in some ski areas. However, the incoming storm systems could help clear some of the smoke.