Author: christomer

Saturday update 10/30

I enjoyed a sunny morning workout in the Foothills of Colorado. Look at that view! Wind was noticeable but it’s stronger in the high mountains above treeline 25-50mph thanks to an approaching cold front. We saw our first skier caught and carried by a small avalanche on Loveland Pass on Friday 10/29/2021. Wind loading has […]

November Forecast: Loveland Ski Area

Loveland Ski Area officially opens on Saturday, October 30. I took a thorough look at the pattern for November and it looks snowy at Loveland Ski Area. Let me expand on my temperature forecast. For perspective, here are the average highs and lows (roughly) at the base. Average high November 1: 40° Average high November […]

Mountain Weather update 10/28

The next storm system is moving into the Pacific Northwest. It then hits the Intermountain West between Saturday and Monday. It appears minor for most ski areas. There is a second storm storm system behind the first one. It moves into California on November 1 and then spreads snow into the interior Rockies thereafter. It […]

Guest Post: Skiing and climbing on Broad Peak, Pakistan June 14-August 7, 2021

This guest post was written by Sarah Strattan. This past summer I ventured to the Karakoram mountains in northern Pakistan, which many argue to be the steepest and most rugged mountains on Earth. My goal was to be the first woman to ski from the summit of Broad Peak, the 12th highest mountain in the […]

Tuesday roundup 10/26

2-3 feet of snow fell at Tahoe ski areas. Impressive photos from Heavenly: This is from the primary impulse associated with the atmospheric river (AR). It’s now moving east through Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado with moderate to heavy snow accumulation at ski areas. The snow stake at Snowbird, UT shows about on 10″ of new […]

Mountain snow forecast next few days

The atmospheric river (AR) dislodges tonight and then moves into the interior Rockies with snow for UT, ID, WY, and CO. On the north side, the main low pressure hitting the Pacific Northwest actually tied for the lowest atmospheric pressure reading on record for that region at 943mb. Significant totals are possible in the Wasatch […]

Mountain weather update 10/24

The first atmospheric river (AR) of the season is underway in California and snow levels are (finally) dropping to about 6,000ft by tonight into Monday morning. The Tahoe ski areas get it first then Mammoth by tonight. Overall precipitation totals will push 500% of normal from a single event. This is the largest impulse associated […]

Snow forecast next 7 days across the West

The Pineapple Express will drive snow chances across the West for the next 7 days sending two different storm systems inland. Notice the bright yellow/green ribbons from Hawaii to the West Coast. Here’s what i’m thinking for snowfall next 7-8 days, click graphic to enlarge: Let’s talk the rain/snow line in Tahoe. Whenever you deal […]

Closer look at this Atmospheric River: Snow levels, magnitude, impact on UT, CO, WY

The first moderate to strong atmospheric river (AR) of the season is on track for Central and Northern California. Let’s drill down on the details. The main surge hits California Sunday-Monday (10/24-25). It’s preceded by 1-2 smaller waves with high snow levels. TAHOE ZONE R/S LINE THR/FRI >10,000′ SAT 8,000′ SUN 6,000′ MON 6,000′ Tomer […]

Atmospheric river setting up for California

The first moderate to strong atmospheric river (AR) of this Fall/Winter is on the horizon for California between Sunday-Monday. You’ll also notice two weaker atmospheric river waves prior to Sunday-Monday. Forecast liquid precipitation totals are impressive through Tuesday. This moisture is what California needs after a bone-dry Summer, but the downside is that it almost […]