SnoCast: Major Storm Hits Southern Rockies, Now Targets the Northeast

Red River in New Mexico picked up big snow, between 2 and 3 feet, with the most recent storm system. This storm treks east to finish the week (Red River/Twitter)

According to Punxsutawney Phil, we have six more weeks winter, and we are LOVING that report. Rodents aside, the weather clearly looks like winter this week with heavy snow from the Rockies to New England. Here’s the scoop in this week’s SnoCast.

 East

As of Thursday, February 3, a significant winter storm continues to trek across the eastern half of the U.S. dropping snow, ice, rain, and then followed by a very cold snap of air. Unlike last week’s storm, many ski areas in New York and northern New England will see snow this time around, while areas to the south deal with the mixed bag. Winter storm warnings stretch from Texas to Maine. 

Colder air continues to push slowly south and east this morning across the Ohio Valley and eastern Great Lakes, causing the rain to change over to freezing rain, sleet, and snow. Here are the latest snowfall and ice accumulation forecasts. pic.twitter.com/nOo0Ymhnbh

— NWS Eastern Region (@NWSEastern) February 3, 2022

Cold and warm air will battle it out, bisecting the northeast from southwest to northeast, resulting in heavy snow for areas on the northern part of the storm, while areas to the south deal with the wintry mix. Many northern New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine ski areas will reap 10-20” of snow, with most falling later Thursday night through Friday.

Look for biggest totals and an amazing Friday and weekend from Labrador Mountain, Hunter, Whiteface, and Gore in New York; to Killington, Pico, Smugglers Notch, and Stowe in Vermont; over to Mount Sunapee, King Pine, Loon, and Wildcat in New Hampshire, then to Sunday River, Shawnee Peak, Sugarloaf, and others in between. 

It does turn quite cold over the weekend after the storm clears out, with temps bottoming out near zero by Sunday morning. Bundle up! Temps will moderate early next week with limited snow chances.

In addition to widespread, significant wintry precipitation, very chilly and much below normal temperatures will spread throughout central and eastern portions of the country. Temperatures will slowly begin to moderate through the weekend, but remain below normal for many places. pic.twitter.com/KGRQAZwSX9

— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) February 2, 2022

West

In the West, it’s time to reap the benefits of this same storm system, which dropped significant snow in the southern Rockies Wednesday. Red River Ski Area in New Mexico boasts 18"+ of powder, while Taos counted a 37” storm total over 2 days.  Stashes of snow will be left through the weekend in these areas that received heavy snow.  

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A post shared by Taos Ski Valley (@skitaos)

Through the weekend, a different storm will drop new snow over the Cascades and peaks in British Columbia, up to 6-12" (locally more at the highest passes near Grouse Mountain,  Snoqualmie and Stevens Pass) Thursday through early Saturday. 

Looking ahead, the weather will be generally quiet for most of the West through early next week. The west will generally see rather warm and dry conditions. We could really use some more snow, especially around the southwest!