Category: Snow

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 […]

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 […]

Snow possible in Colorado’s mountains this weekend and next week

A dip in the jet stream could bring snow to Colorado’s mountains this weekend and next week (10/9-10/15). Amounts this weekend appear on the lighter side, but next week they could be a touch higher. This more active pattern would also benefit the higher mountains of Wyoming, Utah, Montana, British Columbia, and Alberta. Here’s a […]

Capitol Peak snow; Is it termination dust?

Snow now covers Capitol Peak and the Elks. Will this end the climbing season for most Summer climbers? The Alaskan phrase for this phenomena is “Termination Dust”. I suspect the answer comes down to how much risk climbers are willing to shoulder. Other peaks that are less technical like Quandary (“walk-ups”) will continue to be […]