After Snowtober in the European Alps it is now time for Snowvember in the US and Canada. A cold storm brought snowfall to British Columbia, Washington and Oregon over the weekend and the first reports are coming in. Chris Rubens went out to the Rogers Pass near Revelstoke and came up with this report:
First day in Rogers Pass. We are able to ski and skin to and from the road. There is only about an inch of snow at the parking lot but it increases quickly until you hit treeline which has about 65cm base of unconsolidated but thick snow. Up a bit higher it was drifted in spots up to 100cm. Its still a little scratchy but it is a great base and should consolidate nicely into a great starting base. That being said, I would give it sometime before you bring the new boards out and maybe hold off if you are an intermediate. There has been a lot of wind up high. The snow had the feeling of being more wind pressed underneath, with some low density snow on top. and was quite supportive for skiing. Maybe not for everyone but its a great start either way.
After that the storm tracked south east and focused on California, Wyoming and Montana. But be careful. This will be the first major snowfall of the season and there is no base. So far the bad news. The good news is that this storm is cold enough to let the snow level drop to the bases of most mountains. Radar maps are clearly showing the storm track and snow is now falling around Tahoe. Another band of snow is expected this afternoon.
The mountains north of the storm track have become white already (4-8"). But south of the track they are still waiting for the first flakes.
Short term: Utah and Colorado?
The storm is focusing again on Wyoming and Montana on Tuesday before continuing its path south east. Snow should begin to fall on Tuesday in Utah and Colorado and it will continue to snow in Colorado on Wednesday. Utah will get less snow (2- 6"). The forecast for Colorado is better, although they have to wait a while. Snow levels starting high on Tuesday night into Wednesday (9,000-10,000ft), then dropping to most valleys by Thursday. With mostly southwestern winds most snow (around a feet) is expected in Silverton and Wolf Creek as the storm comes to an end on Friday.
Mid term
Friday a new storm is coming although it looks like this one will focus on British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and Wyoming. More details expected at the end of the week.
Powder advice
This is the first significant snow of the season and there is no base yet. Best snow is to be found in BC, Montana and Wyoming and even better conditions are expected at the start of next week. As Chris stated it clearly: I would give it some time before you bring the new boards out and maybe hold off if you are an intermediate.
More maps and forecasts? Check this.
Stay stoked
Morris