A very active pattern is setting up for the Pacific Northwest with an atmospheric river taking shape. There are three to four different storm systems lined up. Blow-off precipitation appears to hit intermountain ski areas like Schweitzer, Whitefish and Banff. This pattern has the potential to sink further south into Northern California over the weekend and next week although it's not a lock. In the Northeast, a couple light snows move through followed by a potentially larger storm system over the weekend.
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El Nino watch continues with a 90 percent chance of developing. However, sea surface temperatures in the south Pacific near the equator actually cooled slightly in late December.
Pacific Northwest Weather
Three to four different storm systems are lined up with a potential atmospheric-river type setup. That means heavy moisture potential. Plan on heavy snow accumulations in the high Cascades, Volcanoes and Olympic Range. Total accumulations could range from 3-6 feet by Tuesday depending on elevation.
Banff Weather
It's going to be a snowy five day period with three different storm systems. The best snow days are Thursday, Friday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Heavy snow accumulations.
Whistler Blackcomb
Three to four different storm systems are lined up. Heavy snow accumulations are likely over the next five days. 3-6 feet by Tuesday.
California Weather
It's a mostly dry pattern until Sunday when light snow arrives. Light snow may trickle into Monday morning. Best days to ski powder are Sunday and Monday.
Colorado, Utah, Weather
It's a mostly dry pattern until Sunday when light snow arrives. Light snow may trickle into Monday morning. Best days to ski powder are Sunday and Monday.
