Big totals continue through 12/15 then calmer out West

Tomer’s Take: 21-30 inch Sierra totals so far with snow continuing. Next stop is ID, WY, MT, UT, and CO for big totals through 12/15. Then pattern turns more tranquil after 12/15. Active pattern shifts to the Northeast.

Current Setup

Water vapor satellite shows the big low moving at snails pace through CA. Red/orange = drier air aloft.

Water vapor satellite 11am 12/11/2022.

Forecast Pattern

Forecast jet stream valid 12/12/2022. The slow movement of the low through the trough generates three days worth of snow accumulation and wraparound snow in parts of MT, WY, and C+N zones of CO.

Forecast jet stream valid 12/12/2022.

Forecast jet stream valid 12/13/2022.

Forecast jet stream valid 12/13/2022.

Forecast jet stream valid 12/20/2022. The pattern is much quieter across the West with only a fast-moving low on the northern branch with light accumulation.

Forecast jet stream valid 12/20/2022.

Forecast Timing

Forecast radar/satellite valid 12/11-12/16.

Forecast radar/satellite valid 12/11-12/16.

Forecast Totals

Forecast snow totals (inches) valid 12/11-12/15.

Forecast snow totals (inches) valid 12/11-12/15.

Forecast snow totals (inches) valid 12/16-12/19.

Forecast snow totals (inches) valid 12/16-12/19.

Forecast snow totals (inches) valid 12/12-12/19. Most of this snow accumulation occurs with a larger storm system on 12/16-12/17.

Forecast snow totals (inches) valid 12/12-12/19.

My forecast video 12/11:

8 thoughts on “Big totals continue through 12/15 then calmer out West

  1. Patricia Casey

    Great to see big snow totals in the mountains. Any thoughts on Denver area snow totals for next 2-4 days?

    1. christomer Post author

      Thanks, Patricia! Thinking 1-4 inches in Denver Metro by Tuesday night. Bigger impact is up the I-76 Corridor in Northeast Colorado with 4-12″ + 30-50mph wind gusts. Chris

  2. Ashley

    Hey Chris Tomer! It’s snowing here in Grand Junction. 🙂 Just a humble request to add Powderhorn to your snow totals map…

Comments are closed.