La Nina is here for the 2nd straight Fall/Winter. Sea surface temps (SST’s) in the equatorial south Pacific have cooled to -0.5C (the official minimal threshold). The bulk of data suggests that La Nina continues through the entire upcoming Winter (87% chance according to NOAA). If you haven’t yet, please check out my Winter forecast. […]
Author: christomer
Monday morning thoughts
The golden days of October roll on. Snow is ending at Tahoe and Mammoth, CA, but wind continues to blow. This fast moving, windy cold front hits Utah next then Colorado. Gusts on the higher peaks will increase to 30-60mph. Utah’s Wasatch Front should do well with this particular flow. Less accumulation in Colorado. Location […]
Mountain weather update 10/17
One storm system remains on the horizon this week across the West. It’s fast-moving and is minor compared to the storm cycle last week. It will spread strong wind (30-70mph) from the Sierra into Utah and Colorado. Beyond this, it’s going to be a waiting game unless you’re in the higher elevations of PNW. Whistler/Blackcomb, […]
Mountain weather update 10/16: On the horizon
There is one storm system on the horizon for the West early next week. Overall, it’s not major and the pattern doesn’t look as active as last week. Whistler/Blackcomb, BC will do the best with the jet stream positioned favorably. You’ll also notice some snowfall in my forecast below for Tahoe ski areas and Mammoth, […]
What happened at the 2021 DC Peaks 50mile race?
I work for race directors and climbing/skiing teams as a meteorologist in mountain settings, so i’m very familiar with how this process works. The objective is risk management. My approach is to put a spotlight on any potential bad weather, alert the race director, and then runners get an email blast with a forewarning so […]
12″ New Snow Alta, Snowbird
The first of two storm systems delivered a foot (or more) of new snow to Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah. The 2nd storm system arrives late Wednesday and runs through Thursday. In Colorado, this same storm system arrives today. I’m forecasting 2-6 inches at the ski areas with storm #1. Similar additional amounts with storm #2. […]
2nd Opinion: Winter forecast from Boudreau & Gates
I want to share another perspective on this winter’s forecast – this one is Colorado specific. AspenWeather.net‘s forecaster Ryan Boudreau and meteorologist Cory Gates issued their official winter forecast last week. I’ve known Ryan for a few years and I know Cory to be an exceptional meteorologist. Their combined passion for skiing is contagious. Winter […]
A-Basin starts making snow; More in the forecast this week CO, UT, WY, MT
Stellar crystal sight this morning with A-Basin making snow. The ingredients all came together with a few inches of new natural snow and colder temps in the teens and 20s. I’m forecasting a good week ahead for the intermountain West including Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Idaho, and Montana. A stronger, colder front will drive through Tuesday-Thursday […]
Snow hits CO, UT, WY
Just like that October moves the atmosphere towards winter. The first of two cold fronts delivers snow. Air temps on Loveland and Berthoud Passes will drop through the 20s for the rest of the weekend. Wind gusts by lunch should clock 50mph. A second cold front next week looks stronger and colder.
Mountain weather update 10/7: two snow chances ahead
Two cold fronts are lined up for Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana. 1st front: Friday-Sunday in Colorado (snow level 10k) 2nd front: Monday-Wednesday in Colorado (snow level 7k) Full Forecast Video for this analysis: Pressures drop and the jet stream buckles across the West. This sets the stage for colder temperatures and organized snowfall at […]