A split jet stream out West will keep the storm systems on the warmer side as the southern jet takes control. In the Northeast, one large Nor’easter is possible on Friday.
A weak El Niño continues in the Equatorial South Pacific. The forecast consensus maintains a weak El Niño through Spring with high confidence.
Colorado, Utah, New Mexico Weather
There are two storm systems lined up over the next five days. They are riding the southern jet stream and warmer in nature. The first storm system hits on Thursday. The bulls eye is southern Utah, southern Colorado, and northern New Mexico. Brian Head, Wolf Creek, Silverton, Telluride, Purgatory and Taos could all see a foot of accumulation. The second storm system hits between Saturday midday and Monday morning. It tracks just a little further north benefiting many areas the last storm only brushed. Moderate to heavy snow accumulation.
Northeast Weather
All eyes are on a potential Nor’easter between Thursday night and Saturday midday. Most of the precipitation could be rain near the coast with snow at the ski areas. Rain could mix in at ski areas that sit at lower elevations. The heaviest snow accumulations stay at interior, higher elevation ski areas in New Hampshire, Vermont and upstate New York. The wildcard is Maine. It depends on the exact track and how much warm air gets pushed into Maine. Colder air and gusty winds take control on Saturday.
California Weather
Two storm systems are lined up over the next five days. Snow tapers off on Thursday morning, with only light accumulation. These are warmer storm systems riding the southern jet stream off the Pacific. The next storm system arrives between Friday afternoon and Sunday morning with moderate to heavy snow accumulation at Tahoe to Mammoth. Sunday should be a good ski day as the storm clears. Another storm system gradually arrives between Monday evening and continues through Wednesday. This could be a stronger storm system with heavier snow accumulation potential from Tahoe to Mammoth.
Wyoming, Montana, Idaho Weather
Two storm systems are lined up. However, the first storm is tracking far to the south and could largely miss the region except on Friday. Snow would be most likely at Jackson Hole, Grand Targhee, Big Sky and Sun Valley. The second storm is a little more promising with snow coverage between Saturday and Monday morning. Moderate snow accumulation with a couple pockets of heavy. Less accumulation in northern Idaho and northern Montana. Saturday-Monday is a good stretch for Jackson Hole, Grand Targhee and Big Sky.