Update: Big Totals 2/1-2/9 Measured In Feet

Tomer’s Take: Snow continues with storm #1 tonight through 2/4 across the Intermountain West. A Panhandle Hooker storm system develops in Colorado on 2/3 with enhanced snowfall. Storm #2 slams CA starting 2/4 with a moderate/strong intensity atmospheric river (AR) surge, 6 months worth of rain, and feet of Sierra snow accumulation. I’m forecasting grand totals measured in feet across the Sierra, Wasatch, Tetons, and W/SW Colorado. A third storm system races across British Columbia and the Northern Tier (& possibly UT/CO) 2/10-2/11 with light to moderate snow accumulation.

My afternoon forecast video update:

Current Setup

Water vapor satellite shows a busy Pacific. I marked the developing Panhandle Hooker storm system in SE CO/NM/Panhandle. Two other areas of low pressure converge in CA 2/4-2/5 with a moderate/strong AR surge.

Orange/red = drier air aloft.

Panhandle Hooker Developing

Radar shows the developing storm system and circulation near the panhandles of TX/OK. Storm matures on 2/3 with enhanced upslope over Denver, Foothills and Divide. Precipitation starts as rain or a mix in Denver then goes to snow afternoon/night of 2/3. All snow above 6,000ft with significant accumulation.

Old Man Winter Rally 2/4

Event takes place in Lyons, CO on 2/4.

Note: Inbound storm system likely all snow above 6,000ft with mix below.

2/2: Increasing clouds, light rain or rain/snow mix 10pm, gusts under 15mph, 35F.

2/3: AM rain showers or rain/snow mix, PM mix to all snow with 2-4 inches, gusts under 15mph, 34/37F.

2/4: Turning drier, turning sunny, wind gusts under 15mph, 30/40F.

Forecast Atmospheric River

Forecast Integrated Vapor Transport (IVT) for Central/South CA coast 36.5N/122W valid next 7 days. Notice the moderate to strong AR surge with storm #2.