Posted May 3, 6:39 am MT 5:39 PT
MSLP Surface Chart thru May 6
All Snow
Forecast Discussion
Continued chances of snow throughout the west at the storm system works its way through. Sierra snow levels today are around 6500 feet and base level temperatures in the low 40’s with light winds.
In Utah, light snow is expected today and through Wednesday of next week, with the best snow hitting Saturday. Expect an inch or two each day with 2-4 on Saturday.
Colorado has a small wave that is passing through this morning that might produce 1-2 inches, and tonight thru Saturday morning will have scattered showers with minor accumulations.
Colorado Next Thursday
Possible Big Storm
We are tracking a system, on the GFS, for Colorado that is pretty large, especially for this time of year. Right now, it looks to dump a foot of snow in spots. So, how does this storm fall in line with the pattern, let’s dive in and break it down.
These next 5 charts are from each cycle through the last chart that is projected for May 11th. I am showing you these charts because all of them show a trough that will allow cold Canadian air, which is essential this time of year.
The projected chart most resembles the chart from December 14th. During that cycle, Wolf Creek received 3 feet over 3 days, with Aspen 15 and Steamboat 11. Arapah0e Basin is in the best position for the coldest air so I am hoping we have a storm like last year’s May storm that dumped 16 inches on May 21st. Will history repeat itself? Let’s hope.
This storm did not hit in all cycles. It missed in cycle 3 for both Utah and Colorado. Looking at the May Calendar for A-Basin, you can see the 60% chance on the 11th and the 30% chance for the 12th.
The 12th is not the only chance for good snow. Looking at the calendar, the 9th is on the GFS at well, that also could bring good totals for next Tuesday.
Open Resorts
California
Palisades, Heavenly, Mammoth
Utah
Snowbird, Solitude and Park City
Colorado
Breckenridge, Arapahoe Basin, Copper Mountain, Winter Park
Forecasted Areas
Pacific Northwest Cascade Mountains
Crystal Mountain, Mount Hood Meadows, Timberline, 49 Degrees North, Bachelor, Mt Baker,
Lake Tahoe Sierra Mountains
Heavenly, Palisades Tahoe, Kirkwood, Dodge Ridge, Donner Ski Ranch
Utah Wasatch Mountains
Alta, Park City, Deer Valley, Brighton, Snowbird, Brian Head
Colorado Rocky Mountains
Aspen, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass, Vail, Beaver Creek, Winter Park, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Powderhorn, Ski Cooper, Telluride, Crested Butte, Silverton, Wolf Creek, Eldora, Loveland
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