Two storm systems next week

Tomer’s Take

  • It now looks like a two-storm combo for next week, 2/20-2/24 across the West.
  • They are colder, windier, and stronger storm systems versus the one that just moved through the Intermountain West.
  • Big totals possible in West/SW CO and Northern NM.
  • What happens after 2/24? Data remains split and confidence is low. High pressure might rebuild.

Water vapor satellite shows the storm track and next low pressure lined-over the Pacific. Orange/red = drier air aloft.

Water vapor satellite 2/17/2022 5am.

Next Week

A second storm system appears to piggy-back on the initial low pressure. This creates a larger window of snow potential for some areas (especially West/SW CO and Northern NM) between 2/20-2/24.

Below, notice the significant forecast pressure anomalies on 2/22 across the West. This generates a colder, windier storm system(s).

Forecast pressure anomalies valid 2/22/2022, GFS interpretation.

Beyond 2/24

Data remains split and confidence is low.

One possible outcome involves high pressure rebuilding across the West through March 1.

Forecast pressure anomalies valid 3/1/2022, Euro interpretation.

Snow Forecast

2/17-2/26:

I added Purgatory and Breckenridge to the map.

Inches of total snow 2/17-2/26.

Forecast snow plume for Wolf Creek, CO:

Inches of total snow accumulation.

Northeast, 2/17-2/26:

At least 50% of this accumulation occurs with a potential storm system on 2/25-2/26.

Inches of total snow 2/17-2/26.

For more analysis please watch my forecast video: