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 […]
Category: Snow
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 […]
La Nina has officially arrived, again
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. […]
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 […]