SNORKEL ALERT- 4-6 FEET FOR THE SIERRA

This post originally appeared on Powderchasers.com

Powderchasers is hunkered down in Reno after an epic opening of KT 22 today at Squaw.14 inches of butter last night followed by a miracle cell that puked 4-8 inches of fluff just before opening. The models are off the charts with another 100 inches likely for the central Sierra (Mammoth) and perhaps 40-60 likely for the Tahoe Crest. 

There are two additional storms moving in the next three days, which are going to take a southerly track over the four corners (Flagstaff, Vegas area mountains, Southern UT, SW Colorado, Big Bear CA). Later in the weekend heavy snow is likely for northern resorts in Utah (Sunday night/Monday) with the Tetons getting into the action as well. The four corners, including Wolf Creek, will pick up four to seven inches in the next 24 hours as well as light or moderate snow in most of central and northern Colorado including northern Utah.

Snow is going to pick up over the Sierra early Friday morning, spreading north to south during the day. Cold air in place will allow the Tahoe basin to crank out significant amounts by the last chair Friday. We expect 9-15 during the day, with higher amounts at Mammoth. Winds and visibility will keep upper mountain terrain buttoned up at some wind prone resorts. Exposed ridges will be gusting to 80 MPH.

Heavy snow turns moderate Friday night and continues over the Sierra into Saturday morning. Chase areas that were closed on Friday or expect another good frosting of four to eight inches on the deep that fell Friday. We are expecting 20-28 inch or higher storm totals by mid-Saturday. Much more will fall Sunday/Monday.

The chase gets interesting Saturday to Monday. Arizona Snowbowl, resorts north of Vegas, areas near Tucson will see heavy snowfall Friday night/Saturday AM (12-18). Most other resorts in the 4 corners will grab a storm ski day of six-nine inches Saturday (includes Wolf Creek, Taos, Silverton, Purgatory, Telluride-Wildcard). The Wasatch reaps some decent leftovers Saturday with moderate snowfall likely followed by central and northern Colorado. 

All action turns to the Sierra very early Sunday when another 2-3 feet of snow is likely. Take your picks of 1st or last chair Sunday or 1st chair Monday. “We won’t have the complete burial and shut down like two weeks ago but don’t expect your favorite chair to be open on time or perhaps not until Monday-Tuesday.”

That final piece of strong energy makes a bee line for a wide area of the Rockies late this weekend into early next week. This is the one that could bring another 9-15 inches to the Wasatch (Sunday night/Monday), 5-11 inches for the Tetons (Sunday night), and widespread snowfall to most of Colorado Monday/Tuesday. The 4 corners especially Arizona may see the highest amounts. “I expect good reports from almost every ski area in the Rockies by Monday/Tuesday”

Snow showers will be continuing in the Wasatch Tuesday as well as most of Colorado and perhaps New Mexico.