A milder and stronger storm with close to 1" of precipitable water and 1/2 to 1 foot of snow for 49N, Mt Spokane, and Schweitzer today and tonight, is moving into the Northwest US. Roughly 1/2 foot of snow is expected to Lookout Pass, then more snow there into tomorrow/ Monday. Snow levels are expected to be near 4,000 feet (resort base elevations) under a southwest wind flow across the mountains, and a moisture tap from the subtropics.

Monday looks like we should see some sunshine as we are mostly between storms, but snow lingers for Lookout Pass. Monday night, we are seeing snow again. This storm moves in more from the west, with a strong pressure gradient and very strong winds expected on Tuesday and Tuesday night, under strong jet stream dynamics, when 1 to 2 feet of snow are expected across the regions resorts. Snow levels will be a close call, up above resort bases at times near 5,000+ feet, so some rain is expected at times at base elevations. If the jet stream ends up a bit more south, snow levels will be lower.

Wednesday we see clouds clearing and cool temperatures from 49N to Schweitzer, and lingering snow for Lookout Pass, with fresh new snow to ski and board on Wednesday under now building high pressure ridging aloft and exiting low pressure/ moisture/ dynamics, and decreasing winds... By Thursday we are squarely under high pressure ridging aloft, with milder temperatures and less wind expected, though a quick shot of snow moves through Thursday afternoon through overnight.

LONGER RANGE: Friday and through the weekend (21st - 23rd) we expect a couple of low pressure systems to move through with potential snowfall, looking light to moderate at this point, but MORE snow nonetheless. Right now probably 2-5" of snow from each storm is the best bet, but of course we will monitor and update. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day a stronger and possibly juicier storm moves through the area with a better shot of heavier snow just in time for these days off. A couple of days later around the 27th-29th, another couple of storms may move through with a last blast of snow before a potential 2 week down time under high pressure ridging and dry/ milder conditions. By the 10th-15th of January we should be back into a regular storm cycle... CM