A powerful Halloween‑weekend storm could blanket parts of California, Utah and Colorado with as much as two feet of snow by Monday, officials say.
Key points
- Snowfall of 12‑24 inches is likely in mountain areas of CA, UT and CO, with localized totals of up to two feet.
- The greatest risk is above 9,000 ft in the Sierra Nevada, Uinta and San Juan ranges.
- Wet snow could create heavy snow loads and difficult driving conditions on mountain passes.
- The system may continue into Tuesday, bringing further snow to Colorado and Wyoming; travelers should monitor forecasts and road reports.
The National Weather Service’s latest forecast puts the odds of at least 12 inches of snow above 90 percent across several mountain ranges in California, Utah and Colorado, with isolated totals approaching 24 inches. The system is expected to arrive Saturday and linger through Monday, November 2, before moving eastward.
OpenSnow meteorologist Alan Smith predicts 8 to 16 inches of snow across the Sierra Nevada, including the Lake Tahoe area, describing the system as “a strong storm” moving across the Southwest and West Central U.S. over the weekend and bringing significant rain and snow from the Sierra to the Rockies.
Storm Overview and Forecast
Further east, OpenSnow projects 12 to 24 inches at favored Utah and southwestern Colorado ski resorts, while central and northern Colorado could see 4 to 12 inches. The Weather Prediction Center highlights the Sierra Nevada, Uinta Mountains and San Juan Mountains as especially vulnerable, noting that “heavy mountain snow is likely, especially above 9,000 ft,” with “locally 2 feet possible.”
Because snow levels begin relatively high, rain may affect lower‑elevation mountain communities while higher peaks accumulate wet snow that can create substantial snow loads and hazardous driving conditions. Most of the significant accumulation is expected to remain in the mountains rather than in major cities.
Projected Snowfall by Region
Forecasters warn the storm could linger beyond Monday, with Smith expecting additional snowfall across Colorado and Wyoming into Tuesday as colder northwest winds follow the system. Mountain travelers are advised to check updated snowfall forecasts and road conditions before attempting higher passes.
Reader questions
When is the storm expected to impact the region?
The storm is forecast to arrive Saturday, peak on Saturday and Sunday, and remain through Monday, with possible lingering snowfall into Tuesday.
Which areas are most likely to see the highest snowfall?
The Sierra Nevada, Uinta Mountains, San Juan Mountains, and ski resorts in Utah and southwestern Colorado are projected to receive the highest totals, potentially up to two feet locally.
Source: aol.com