Arctic front, Great Lakes blizzard, West Coast atmospheric river

Tomer’s Take: An Arctic front racing north to south from Canada will drive the Western snow pattern through 12/22. Then it moves East and develops into a strong, deep area of low pressure over the Great Lakes. But, it puts the big NE ski areas in the warm sector with a mix of precipitation. Long term, the West Coast might be setting up for an atmospheric river.

Current Setup

Water vapor satellite shows a deep trough over the Central Pacific including Hawaii. This may help develop a future atmospheric river on/after 12/28 for the West Coast. Also, notice the Arctic front diving south through the Intermountain West.

Orange/red = drier air aloft.

Forecast Pattern

Forecast jet stream valid 12/22 for the East. The Western Arctic front develops into a powerful area of low pressure with strong wind and heavy snow across the Great Lakes. Blizzard warnings are possible. Unfortunately, the track of the low puts most of the VT, NH, ME ski areas into the warm sector with a mix of precipitation.

Forecast jet stream valid 12/25. This N-S jet stream favors the PNW, BC, Banff, MT, ID, WY, northern UT, C+N CO.

Forecast jet stream valid 12/29. Fascinating pattern by 12/28-12/29 with big potential for heavy snow. This could be a moderate intensity atmospheric river (AR) for the West Coast.

Forecast Timing

Forecast radar/satellite valid 12/20-12/25.

Forecast Totals

Forecast snow totals (inches) valid 12/20-12/22.

I added Powderhorn Ski Area, CO to the map.

Forecast snow totals (inches) valid 12/23-12/25.

Forecast snow totals (inches) valid 12/26-12/29.

Forecast snow totals (inches) valid 12/20-12/26.

I added Hunter Mountain Ski Area, NY to the map.

My forecast video 12/20: