Over the past week, winter storms have been pounding the Western U.S., resulting in snorkel-worthy powder for lucky skiers and snowboarders and even a few resort closures.
California came out as the winner, receiving as much as 46 inches in 48 hours in some areas! According to Joel Gratz at OpenSnow, most areas in Colorado received 10 to 20 inches on Monday and can expect moderate-to-intense snowfall from Wednesday to Thursday. Northern Utah resorts received 11 to 27 inches from the first storm, and can expect an additional one to three feet during the final push of this next wave of storms, which will affect the Western U.S. through Thursday.
Photo: Open Snow
Snowmageddon hammers California
The past week of snow brought California the kind of accumulation they’ve desperately needed in wake of a long drought. However, the heavy snow and 100 mph winds have made travel to the Sierra Nevadas almost impossible. Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows closed their lifts on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday due to weather conditions and safety concerns. Once the storm passes, some resorts are expected to make out with as much as 51 inches of new snow.
California Forecasts
Utah continues to receive impressive snowfall
Wednesday signifies the end of this storm series, dropping several feet across Northern Utah resorts. Some days brought dense, wet snow in place of Utah’s normal light and fluffy powder.
Utah Forecasts
Alta: 40” by Thursday
Snowbird: 40” by Thursday
Solitude: 31” by Thursday
Deer Valley: 26” by Thursday
Park City: 26” by Thursday
A Power-Filled Weekend Is Imminent in Colorado
Many resorts in Colorado received more than a foot of snow in the past 24 hours, and there is only more to come! According to Joel Gratz, many mountains saw an incredible 4-inch-per-hour snowfall, making Tuesday an exceptional powder day for most ski resorts. Crested Butte, who received 73 inches in the past seven days, closed Tuesday for safety concerns. The winter storm is expected to pick up again on Wednesday, dropping as much as 24 inch more inches in some areas.
Colorado Forecasts
Steamboat: 24” by Thursday
Crested Butte: 22” by Thursday
Beaver Creek: 17” by Thursday
Vail: 17” by Thursday
Copper Mountain: 11” by Thursday
Breckenridge: 9” by Thursday
Winter Park: 9” by Thursday
Keystone: 7” by Thursday
Telluride: 6” by Thursday
Multiple feet fall on Jackson Hole
Jackson Hole has already received almost two feet of snow, and they’re forecasted to see even more feet fall by the end of this winter storm—31 inches, in fact, by Thursday morning! Jackson Hole Mountain Resort had a delayed opening on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning, proving there is such a thing as “too much snow.” Moderate snow is expected to fall through tonight and then it will pick up again on Wednesday. Sunny skies will greet skiers for a weekend full of deep powder skiing.
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