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Okay, back to the forecast...

Atmospheric River for California and the West

A series of storms containing significant moisture will impact the West and Northwest with daily rounds of precipitation and mid to high elevation snow from Friday (10/22) through Wednesday (10/27).

The strongest storm in this pattern will happen on Sunday and Monday when a powerful atmospheric river takes aim at the West Coast. The amount of water vapor in the atmosphere over Northern California on Sunday will be 250-400% of average for late October. 

Forecast for Fri 10/22 – Sat 10/23

Back-to-back (relatively) weaker storms will impact the West Coast and Northern Rockies on Friday and Saturday with the heaviest precipitation expected over the Sierra, Cascades, and BC Coast Range.

Snow levels (the elevation of the rain/snow line) will fluctuate with accumulating snow generally confined to the mid to high elevations of ski resorts. Heavier snow is expected farther north over the BC Coast Range and into Southeast Alaska.

For specific snow level elevation forecasts, refer to our ski resort pages.

Forecast for Sun 10/24 – Mon 10/25

A weak storm will bring a quick round of snow to parts of Wyoming, Utah, and Colorado on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

Click over to the Colorado Daily Snow for more details from Joel Gratz and the Utah Daily Snow for more details from Evan Thayer.

A strong storm will then bring mid to high elevation snow and low elevation rain to the Sierra and Cascades on Sunday before reaching the Northern Rockies on Sunday night and Monday. A cold front will arrive on Monday with snow levels falling to near base areas from west to east. Feet of snow will be possible over the Sierra on Sunday and Monday.

Click over to the Tahoe Daily Snow for more details from Bryan Allegretto.

Forecast for Tue 10/26 – Wed 10/27

The previously mentioned strong storm will bring a good round of snow to Wyoming, Utah and Colorado on Monday night and Tuesday. An active west/northwest flow pattern with colder in place will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with snow favoring British Columbia, Washington, and the Northern Rockies, while additional snowfall will be lighter over the Sierra.

Outlook for Thu 10/28 – Mon 11/1

This period is trending warmer and drier for most of the West as the main storm track retreats north. British Columbia and the Washington Cascades will be the most favored for snowfall in this pattern. A cooling trend is also expected over the East and it wouldn't be shocking to see a little bit of snow over the higher elevations of the Appalachians at some point. 

Thanks so much for reading! Next update on Monday (10/25).

ALAN SMITH