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. […]
Category: Snow
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 […]
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 […]
Snow hits Alberta/BC high peaks
Light snow dusted the high peaks in Alberta/BC overnight. This includes Mount Athabasca, Mount Andromeda, Mount Rundle, Banff and Lake Louise higher terrain, and Kicking Horse. Why? A cold front is moving through. How much more snow will fall in Alberta/BC? I’m forecasting another 1-3 inches through Wednesday on the highest peaks. This front will […]
La Nina Watch continues
Snow is falling at Whistler/Blackcomb this morning. This snow will drop into the northern Rockies this week including Banff, Colorado, Idaho, and Montana. We’re still waiting on the official arrival of La Nina. Current water temps in the South Pacific near the equator are running “neutral” (-0.3C NINO3.4). La Nina and El Nino are normally […]
October hiking in Colorado
I consider the month of October to be part of the “shoulder season” in Colorado. Cold fronts hit more frequently – every 3-4 days in the Mountains. This changes the complexion of hiking and mountaineering on the 13ers and 14ers. I’ve experienced these rapid October weather changes over the years. Here’s a flashback to Fall […]