Pattern through 12/15

Tomer’s Take: I’m forecasting four different storm systems for the West through 12/15 with big totals. A weak atmospheric river (AR) is possible for CA’s Sierra 12/10-12/11.

  • Storm #1 continues to gradually move from CA into the interior Rockies. Waves of snow are riding the jet into UT, WY, CO.
  • Storm #2 hits the West Coast on 12/8 then proceeds to wash-out while spreading snow into the interior including ID, BC, WY.
  • Storm #3 between 12/10-12/13 is a powerhouse with weak AR contribution.
  • New 24 hour snow totals: Vail 6″, 3″ Alta, 3″ Kirkwood, 10″ Jackson Hole, 5″ Steamboat, 2″ Breckenridge, 8″ Loveland.

Current Setup

Infrared satellite shows an active flow off the Pacific with storm systems lined-up.

Infrared satellite 9:45am 12/6/2022.

Forecast Pattern

Forecast jet stream partner valid 12/7. Storm #1 is moving at snails pace. Storm #2 is inbound the PNW.

Forecast jet stream partner valid 12/7.

Forecast jet stream valid 12/15. Storm #4 is sliding through WY/CO. Ridge rebuilds across West Coast.

Forecast jet stream valid 12/15.

Forecast Timing

Forecast radar/satellite valid 12/6-12/11.

Forecast radar/satellite valid 12/6-12/11.

Forecast Totals

Forecast snow totals (inches) valid 12/6-12/8.

Forecast snow totals (inches) valid 12/6-12/8.

Forecast snow totals (inches) valid 12/9-12/12. This is a big period for CA, UT, ID, WY, SW CO. Storm #2 hits the PNW then washes out. But, storm #3 is a powerhouse with a weak atmospheric river contribution.

Forecast snow totals (inches) valid 12/9-12/12.

Forecast snow totals (inches) valid 12/13-12/15. Another big period for CA.

Forecast snow totals (inches) valid 12/13-12/15.

My forecast video for 12/6:

6 thoughts on “Pattern through 12/15”

  1. Lynelle Lahey

    Thanks for your thoroughness Chris.
    We appreciate your “lay persons” explanation of what these fronts will mean regarding snowfall!

  2. Jim Hennessy

    🥶 I have to add we are , 👀 desperately looking for more then an inch or two every week, however I should add ,the skiing in Banff sunshine has been suprisingly good considering we are only working with about 20 inches of white stuff from weeks ago for the groomers …

    Maybe , if you want to dabble in 😎 black magic , an yes I know the end of month is a long ways away … but just toss us something so we can blame somebody if it wrong 🤣

Comments are closed.