An excellent pattern for the northern Intermountain West over the next five days. The southern Intermountain West stays abnormally dry. In the Northeast, colder than normal temperatures will accompany one to two Alberta Clipper storm systems.
Wyoming, Montana, Idaho: A banner five-day stretch ahead. I'm forecasting 1-3 feet of snow accumulation between Thursday and Sunday morning. Then the pattern dries-out. Schweitzer, Sun Valley and Whitefish are in great position for high-end totals. Avalanche danger rises to the forefront by Sunday morning.
Pacific Northwest: I'm forecasting heavy snow accumulations between Thursday and Saturday night. 1-4 feet of snow accumulation on the high Cascades and volcanoes. Then the pattern dries out from Sunday-Tuesday.
Northeast: The next five days are dominated by abnormally cold temperatures and one to two Alberta Clipper storm systems. Accumulations look light except near Lake Erie and Ontario where lake effect snowfall remains likely and heavy. The best chance for light storm snowfall at the ski areas occurs Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning.
Whistler/Blackcomb: Heavy snow accumulation between Thursday and Saturday night. Then the pattern dries out from Sunday-Tuesday.
Colorado, Utah: A rather dry stretch ahead. I'm only forecasting one chance for light snowfall on Sunday morning in Colorado. That front may deliver a brief wave of light snow to northern Utah Saturday afternoon/night.
California: A completely dry five-day stretch. Will the pattern change? Possibly by mid to late next week.
Tomer's Take: Ski Schweitzer on Friday, Jackson Hole on Saturday and Big Sky on Sunday.