Above: Total snowfall in the west through Sunday morning.  "Endorphin maker". 

The detailed forecast posted yesterday is still on track for most areas. 3 storms are expected in the next 5 days for much of the west.  Models are coming into better agreement this morning with an initial surge of moisture for the Cascades and Sierra for Wednesday night and Thursday.  This initial push of moisture will spread moderate snow into the Cascades for Turkey Day. The Oregon Cascades are slightly favored as well as the far northern range of Washington near Mount Baker.  Snow levels will be above the bases of most resorts, however moderate snowfall will be falling from mid to upper levels (4-7).  After a brief break Thursday morning a colder system will arrive for later in the week through Saturday.  Significant snowfall is likely late Thursday/Saturday for much of the Cascades with higher quality POW.  Total snowfall through Saturday is likely to exceed 15-18 inches at the upper elevations of much of the Cascade Range. 

In the Sierra, Mammoth may be favored initially for Wednesday/Thursday with higher elevations.  Resorts to the north will see a mixed bag at the bases with moderate snow at mid-elevations (4-8). The summits may exceed 10 inches.  The next system for late Thursday/Friday will be colder and deeper favoring the northern Sierra Range.  9-14 additional inches with locally higher amounts are likely along the Sierra Crest.  

The Northern Rockies initially see storm #1 from the Sierra crank out some moderate snow for most of Idaho, Wyoming, and Utah late Thursday/Friday.  Winds initially from the SW will favor southern and central regions of Idaho, especially Sun Valley.  Brundage will also be in scoring position by Friday as winds shift more westerly.  The Tetons nab steady light to moderate snow through Friday morning (3-7) with intensity picking up mid-morning through Saturday morning (Storm #2 from the Sierra).  That may land storm totals by late Saturday of 15-20 inches for much of the Teton Range (Weekly total).  Highest intensity snowfall will be Friday mid-morning through midnight. 

The Wasatch will see similar amounts to the Tetons with locally higher amounts in areas favored by NW flow.  Some models pump out 3 feet for the Cottonwoods.  Moderate snow will be found in the Wasatch for Turkey Day (lightly snowing) that will pick up late Thursday night and Friday.  Storm #2 from California will be entering the Wasatch Friday morning.  Snow intensity will increase significantly with colder temperatures and winds shifting from SW to W-NW. The northern Wasatch that includes Powder Mountain and Snowbasin will do well in this pattern (Powder Mtn may tip the scales at the summit). I would expect 12-20 inches in all of these areas with localized higher amounts.

 Areas near the Idaho border like Beaver will also score deep powder.  Park City will see slightly lower amounts favoring S or SW winds, however, the Canyons (PCMR), will see higher amounts (Benefit from NW flow).  Park City has completely different aspects with the Legacy Canyons and PCMR deserving their own forecast. The summit of the Canyons could easily score 12-20 inches.  The southern Wasatch towards both Big Cottonwood and Little Cottonwood will see slightly higher amounts.  BCC is favored initially on Turkey Day where LCC is favored Friday/Saturday. NW flow may continue some snow showers into Sunday especially near Alta. 3 foot plus storm totals are very possible from this storm (Weekly totals).  Best days to chase pow will be Thursday (Teasing light snow) or deep snow late Friday/Saturday.  Some surprise pow is possible Sunday morning if NW flow and lake effect showers kick in. Its a wildcard at this point. 

Colorado will see a quick 3-5 inches over much of western portions favoring Beaver Creek and areas south Thursday PM/Friday AM.  Crested Butte and Telluride might be in good position as moisture drops south into the 4 corners Thursday morning.  Light snow will be falling in all mountains east of Beaver Creek towards Summit County for some freshening Friday morning.  Much colder air and deeper moisture will move over Colorado Saturday/Sunday.  The 2nd piece of energy will be stronger with NW winds. Early estimates favor resorts west of Summit County that include most ski areas from Steamboat, Vail, Aspen, Telluride.  Models show deep snow for Crested Butte, however, NW winds are not optimal there (CB is a solid wildcard).   Summit will certainly nab moderate amounts (5-10) but areas further west may see higher totals by Sunday morning.  I would not be surprised to see 9-15 inch amounts in many resorts on the Sunday snow report.  Chase times will be Saturday (Storm Ski) and Sunday (some fresh from Saturday night). Some light snow will also be falling near Taos.  Moderate snow is likely at Wolf Creek who is not favored with NW winds. 

Enjoy the new snow everyone!  Snow tires are mandatory in my book especially if you want first chair. 

Powderchaser Steve