Ski now, pay over time with Affirm

2020 Christmas Winter Weather Snow Outlook | Western USA

2020 Christmas Winter Weather Snow Outlook | Western USA

Updated - 12/21/20

Ho, ho, ho, the holidays are in sight and we're very excited to be looking at a 7-day forecast with some decent potential for snowfall. Over the past weekend, storms flooded the Western US under a northwest flow that brought cold temps and moisture to the majority of the Great Basin. Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, California, and the PNW all saw snow and although the storm will take a break on Monday, it should return on Tuesday, delivering significant snowfall to the Inter-mountain West before leaving us with blue skies for the majority of the west by Christmas Day.

Related: Make your 2021 winter plans with RSVP - Refundable Ski Vacation Packages by Ski.com

2020 Christmas Winter Weather Outlook

Who will get the most snow this Christmas?

The Western US:

NOAA.jpgForecast radar for 12/23/20 | Image: NOAA

One more wet day is in store for the Pacific Northwest today, as Pacific moisture continues streaming in. Given wet antecedent conditions, the additional rain could lead to isolated minor river flooding, ponding on roadways, and the possibility for landslides. Then by this evening, a strengthening low pressure system is forecast to track near the

northwestern U.S./southwestern Canadian border and sweep a cold front across the Northwest states. This will lower snow levels and then spread precipitation farther east as the front moves through the Great Basin and Rockies by Tuesday. Precipitation in the form of snow is expected in the Great Basin and Rockies, with some mixing of rain in lower elevations of the Northern High Plains. Snow totals should be highest in higher elevations, with snowfalls of 6 to 12 inches with locally higher amounts across the Northern Rockies, Sawtooth Mountains/Bitterroots, and Wind River Mountains/Tetons. Then this system will spread light precipitation into parts of the central U.S. late Tuesday into Wednesday. - NOAA (12/21/20)

8-14 Day Temperature Outlook

Temp-1.gif

8-14 Day Precipitation Outlook

Precip-JuneJulyAugust.jpg

Colorado: Northern Mountains Get The Goods

A northwestern flow will bring cold temps and significant precipitation to the northern mountains of Colorado including Steamboat Resort and perhaps, Winter Park Resort. The western mountains, as well as the central mountains of Colorado, remain a tossup while most models have the southwest being left with sunny skies through the holiday.

https://twitter.com/NWSGJT/status/1340985358322905089

Utah: Moderate Snowfall For The Wasatch

Snowfalls will be limited to the single digits for portions of the Wasatch Front including Alta and Snowbird. Orographics favor the Salt Lake side but Park City should squeeze out a couple inches on Tuesday evening.

https://twitter.com/findOpenSnow/status/1341024371243057153

California: Mostly Sunny, Chance of Precip on Tuesday

Most of California will remain under a ridge of high pressure this week, meaning mostly sunny skies with the exception of a slight chance of snow for the mountains of North Lake Tahoe on Tuesday.

https://twitter.com/TahoeWeather/status/1341052123799191561

Northern Rockies: Toss up

In Idaho, Sun Valley and Schweitzer have both been benefitting greatly under the current Northwest Flow and while the jet stream is projected to bring moisture north of Hailey and Ketchum this week, Schweitzer will get hammered today and tomorrow. Further west, Montana will also continue to get snowfall today and tomorrow at Whitefish Mountain Resort and Big Sky Resort. In Wyoming, Jackson Hole will see significant accumulations on Tuesday before sunny skies take over through Friday.

https://twitter.com/NWSRiverton/status/1340991400108826624

Pacific Northwest: Snow on Christmas?

Looking for snow on Christmas day? Your best chance will be in the Pacific Northwest, where snow is projected to fall today and tomorrow before returning mid-day on Christmas to places like Oregon's Mt Bachelor.

https://twitter.com/NWSMedford/status/1340854168978739201

New Mexico: Sunny and Warm

New Mexico will remain mostly in the sun this week with a brief disturbance on Wednesday that could bring a trace of new snow to the slopes of Taos Ski Valley. That said, temperatures should remain cold and thanks to early season snowfall, things are already filling in nicely.

https://twitter.com/NWSAlbuquerque/status/1340997948994248704

Ready to make some ski plans for the 20-21 season? With flexible cancellations via Ski.com’s Refundable Ski Vacation Packages – RSVP, our Mountain Travel Experts can make sure you book your winter vacation with confidence. Get a free quote today.

TAGGED: long-range forecast, outlook, Powder, 2024 Season, aspen ski area, aspen ski area, stoke-worthy snow, snowboarding, weather, winter x games

Barclay Idsal

Author

    How Our Free White (Ski) Glove Service Works: 

    Step 1
    Connect With a Mountain Travel Expert

    Reach out to a Ski.com Mountain Travel Expert by phone, chat, or our online form. Share details about your group size, interests, and budget and your Expert will begin to craft your dream ski vacation.

    Step 2
    Receive a Trip Proposal 

    Get a curated proposal with personalized suggestions from your Expert via email. Book directly online or request additions or revisions from your Expert until it’s perfect

    Step 3
    Travel with Support

    If you have questions, want to add or modify your reservations or need anything assistance, your Expert is always by your side to help before, during and after your trip. 

    Sign up for our newsletter

    Sign up for exclusive offers, news, updates and more.

    • Discounts
    • Latest News