The Pineapple Express continues out West with copious amounts of snow. In the Northeast, it remains stormy early then colder with lingering snow showers and a Clipper. We're still on El Niño Watch. The official forecasts continue to call for a 65 percent chance of a full-blown El Niño this Winter. But, sea surface temperatures in the Equatorial South Pacific have cooled since December.
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California Weather
The Pineapple Express continues through Saturday then a colder storm system arrives Saturday-Sunday. Heavy snow accumulations are likely at Tahoe south to Mammoth. Severe wind on Thursday and Friday could close lifts. Total snow accumulations could exceed 4 feet by Sunday at Mammoth, Kirkwood, Heavenly and Squaw Valley | Alpine Meadows. Snow tapers off Sunday night.
Pacific Northwest Weather
Colder than normal temperatures continue. Another storm system with moderate to heavy snowfall is likely Thursday-Friday. This includes Seattle with light snow accumulation. A little warmer on Saturday-Sunday with light snow possible in the Cascades and Volcanoes.
Colorado, Utah Weather
Three periods of snow are likely. 1-3 foot grand totals by Saturday evening. A break in snow is possible between each period. The first arrives on Wednesday midday in Utah and afternoon in Colorado. The second period of snow arrives Thursday afternoon and continues into Friday. The third period of snow arrives Friday afternoon and continues into Saturday. The second period appears to be the most significant. The third period appears to be the coldest. Strong wind accompanies each period of snow. Colder on Sunday with lingering snow showers. Excellent skiing on Friday and Saturday at Alta, Snowbird, Park City, Steamboat, Aspen Snowmass, Crested Butte, Telluride, Purgatory, Silverton and Wolf Creek.