Double Wave Delight

2-Wave Storm thru Wednesday

We are back in the active part of the pattern, as a 2-wave system hits back-to-back. This is the bonus system that we were talking about last time. The last time it came thru, it was still in the transition phase, and stayed north of Washington, hitting Montana, Wyoming and just brushing northern Colorado. Take a look at the before and after of this week’s storm. They look so similar, but now, with the stronger jet stream, it is in its new position and will impact the Pacific Northwest, Utah and Colorado this time thru.

Last Cycle

Current Cycle

Now let’s take a closer look. You can see the flow with this animated GIF. Watch the first wave slide by, followed by the second wave that digs deeper. I pointed out the cut-off low just for reference in a future cycle. File that away, we will talk about that, and what it will turn into, as we get close to February.

Forecast

Pacific Northwest

First wave today, warm temperatures that will be falling throughout the day. Not much snow with this first wave, I’m expecting 2-3 inches at best. The stronger wave hits Saturday night and lasts thru Monday morning. We are looking at 1-2 feet for Mt Hood, Mt Bachelor, Crystal, Mt Baker, Stevens Pass and Snoqualmie.

Utah

The first wave could miss, maybe 2-4 if we’re lucky, but the second wave will likely deliver. The second wave will arrive late Sunday evening. It is a little too early to give snow totals but in a general sense, I am expecting 5-10 for storm totals by Wednesday for Alta, and possibly up to a foot for Snowbird.

Colorado

The first wave hits Saturday night with a dusting to an inch or two, for the northern mountains. The second wave arrives Monday and should bring 4-8 inches, as of now. It is still over 60 hours out, so we will zero in on the forecast tomorrow.