SnoCast: More Snow Adds to an Epic February

Snowbasin Resort in Utah has picked up nearly 100 inches of snow since late January, with more than half of that in the past week (SnowbasinResort/Twitter)

Winter is here and committed, covering the U.S. in new snow from coast to coast. With more white stuff ahead for the East, Midwest, and West, we think this will be a February to remember on the slopes. Here’s where to find new snow this week.  

As of today (Feb. 18), snow covers more than 70% of the lower 48.
Source: https://t.co/UFwbBR6kfx pic.twitter.com/f8icwaedds

— Kerrin Jeromin (@KerrinJeromin) February 19, 2021

East

We’ll finish the work week with another storm in the East. Through Thursday evening, snow is likely for most north of the Pennsylvania border, as a storm system shifts off the mid-Atlantic coast. Snow continues Friday in New York and New England, dropping a general 3-6" of new snow on the mountains, with locally more than 6” in the Berkshires, Poconos, Catskills, and southern Greens of Vermont. Light lingering upslope snow persists on the west-facing slopes in New York and New England through early Saturday before sun returns Sunday, meaning excellent conditions through this weekend in the Northeast. 

Another system moves from the Midwest to Northeast Sunday PM-Monday with light accumulation. Otherwise, seasonably cool air sticks around, and therefore, so does the snow on the trails. Look for a milder trend in the East through next week.

West

A storm shifts in from the Pacific Thursday night into Friday, dropping new snow on the Cascades and Northern Rockies. A steady onshore (westerly) flow will favor the west facing Cascades, while Pacific moisture pushes farther into the Intermountain West. Through Friday night, 1 to 2 feet of snow is expected for the Cascades, with 6-12” in the Sawtooth, Bitterroots, and Teton mountain ranges, with additional lingering light totals through the weekend.

A mainly quiet Sunday around the West, except for a new system that targets western British Columbia and the Cascades of Washington later Sunday. This system sags southward through early week with modest snow possible in the Western peaks. Cold air and yet another storm shifts in by mid next week, which will dip farther south to the southern Rockies.

It should be noted, parts of the Intermountain west have seen unbelievable snow amounts lately, with Utah ski areas getting anywhere from 40-100” in the past week alone. There’s plenty of snow for deep trails, but do keep an eye on local road conditions getting in and out of the mountains, as avalanche activity has spiked in the West from recent heavy snowfall. Stay in bounds, and check local conditions before you head up.

Crazy snow totals at Utah ski areas. Nearly 100” in a week @AltaSkiArea https://t.co/Kws0lqX1dS

— Kerrin Jeromin (@KerrinJeromin) February 18, 2021

Looking Ahead

Following a brisk and wintry stretch for the Great Lakes and Northeast, temperatures will moderate next week, thawing into a milder, late winter trend. Cold remains in the Northwest.  

Check back in every week for a new SnoCast through ski season. Also, be sure to check out the latest snow report to see conditions and safety guidelines.