The Snow Report Show

Welcome to your first Snow Report of the new year. I truly hope your holiday season has been fun, festive and full of great days on snow. We’ve been hitting the mountain as a family every weekend and it’s been great to see the little guys learning and growing with each outing.

Our buddies at OpenSnow sent over some information about this weekend’s forecast and there are a few notable moments to get excited about.

Why “Quietly Good” Can Be Better Than Viral

One of the hardest parts of snow reporting is managing expectations.

Not every good ski week comes with a three foot storm total, road closures, and viral screenshots. Some of the best skiing happens in quieter patterns that never really trend, but just keep delivering day after day.

This week is a great example of that.

Let’s break it down by region, starting with what’s ahead this weekend and then looking into next week, with a little context on what this actually means for your skiing.

Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, Coastal BC)

The Pacific Northwest is locked into what I like to call a “light snow is better than no snow” pattern.

This is not one major storm rolling through and shutting everything down. Instead, it is a steady parade of lighter systems bringing frequent refreshers, especially at higher elevations.

This weekend: Light snow continues across Washington, Oregon, and coastal British Columbia. Totals are modest, but consistent.

What this means on snow: This kind of pattern keeps terrain skiing well without the chaos that comes with big storms. Fewer wind holds, fewer road closures, and snow that stays soft longer because it is refreshed regularly.

Looking ahead: This steady pattern looks like it sticks around into next week, with more small systems rather than a single dramatic reset.

Central Canada (Interior BC and Canadian Rockies)

Central Canada is in a calmer window right now, but colder temperatures are doing a lot of work behind the scenes.

This weekend: Mostly light snow or dry periods, paired with cold temperatures that help preserve existing snowpack.

Looking ahead: Snow chances increase again mid week as the storm track nudges north. Not flashy, not concerning. Just steady and skiable.

Sierra Nevada (California)

The Sierra is one of the few regions this weekend where expectations should be set higher.

This weekend: A stronger storm arrives Saturday into Sunday, with several resorts looking at multiple feet of snow, especially at upper elevations.

What this means: This is a legitimate reset storm. Travel impacts are likely at times, but snow quality improves significantly once the storm clears.

Looking ahead: Snow tapers off early next week, with colder temperatures helping to preserve what falls this weekend.

Rockies (Utah, Wyoming, Colorado)

The Rockies continue to benefit from one of the most productive types of winter patterns.

This weekend: Widespread snow across Utah and Wyoming, with favored areas picking up roughly 10 to 30 inches by the end of the weekend.

Why this works: Snow arrives in manageable waves. Winds stay relatively controlled. Terrain keeps opening instead of closing.

Looking ahead: Snow lingers into early next week before things quiet down. This is the kind of stretch where conditions quietly improve every single day.

Midwest

The Midwest sneaks into a better window late this weekend.

This weekend: Light snow through Saturday, followed by a more organized system Sunday into Monday.

Looking ahead: Another snow chance early next week depending on storm track. Not a powder chase, but definitely movement in the right direction.

The East (New England and Mid Atlantic)

New England

This weekend: Cold and mostly dry. Snowmaking conditions remain solid.

Looking ahead: A brief window for light snow early next week, followed by a warmer pattern mid week that could slow momentum.

This is a holding pattern. No major gains, but no major losses either.

Mid-Atlantic

This weekend: Lake effect snow continues in favored areas, with several inches possible where bands linger.

Looking ahead: Warmer and drier conditions take over, limiting snow chances.

Quietly Good vs Viral Storms

There is nothing wrong with loving a big storm. They are exciting, dramatic, and they make great content.

But some of the best skiing of a season often comes from quieter patterns like we are seeing in places like the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies right now.

Light snow every couple of days. Cold temperatures. Less wind. Fewer lift holds. Fewer road closures. Viral storms look great online. Quiet patterns often ski better in real life. That is the difference between chasing headlines and actually enjoying more laps.

Get out there and have some fun,Halley

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesnowreport.substack.com

Hope you had a great holiday. Ours involved family time, cookies, sleepless excitement and one very big visit from Santa.

In this week’s show, we are sidelining the beer in lieu of some bourbon from Breckenridge, Colorado. Consider it an offering to the weather gods as we attempt to manifest cold, snowy vibes for our friends in the Rockies.

Because here’s the thing.We’ve been here before.

A little backstory: About ten years ago, we jokingly shipped snow to resort friends who were struggling early season. The Rockies were getting buried while the East was wondering if winter had taken the year off. The video took on a life of its own. A few years later, the pattern flipped and we shipped it back west.

This season feels eerily similar. And I loved seeing Stratton jump in on the mission to spread the snowy wealth.

For California… it worked.

California: A Full-Blown Christmas Miracle 🎄

California was the big winner over the holidays.

A powerful storm cycle delivered true mid-winter conditions to the Sierra, just in time for Christmas. Mammoth Mountain and Palisades Tahoe both picked up more than six feet of snow, completely transforming the snowpack and the vibe.

This wasn’t just a refresh. It was a reset.

What to expect:• Improved base depths across the Sierra• Excellent upper-mountain conditions• A strong foundation if storms continue into January

Key takeaway:Sometimes, you’re just down… not out. (Unless you’re the New York Giants. Then, you’re both.)

The Rockies: Package Delayed, But Not Lost 📦

As for the Rockies… my snow package appears to be delayed in transit. Porch pirates? Weather logistics? Hard to say.

The good news is that colder air is finally moving in.

Utah ski resorts are expected to pick up 10–20 inches between Friday and Saturday, while ski areas in Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Montana, British Columbia, and Alberta could see a general 6–14 inches.

Baby steps.

Cold air matters just as much as snowfall this time of year, especially for snowmaking, surface quality, and preserving what’s already on the ground.

What to expect:• Colder temperatures improving conditions• Modest but meaningful snowfall• Better snowmaking windows

Key takeaway:Not a miracle yet, but finally some momentum. We’ll keep an eye.

Pacific Northwest: Hammered… or Not Hammered Enough? 🌧️❄️

Last week, I said the Northwest was going to get hammered.

That clip took off on Instagram and somehow found its way into a corner of the internet that does not ski or snowboard. The concern was… intense. Some were upset about snow. Others were upset it wasn’t enough snow.

Somewhere along the way, we all entered the upside-down and couldn’t decide if we were skiers, snowboarders, or Demogorgons who really don’t like shoveling.

There was one key takeaway: the Northwest does not “hunker” down.

(But they do cha cha real smooth.)

All jokes aside, some areas absolutely cashed in, especially at higher elevations. Mount Baker picked up around eight feet of snow during this stretch. While conditions have turned around quickly for many places, a few resorts remain closed or limited.

Looking ahead, additional storms are possible later next week.

What to expect:• Stronger totals at higher elevations• More storm chances ahead

Key takeaway:Elevation mattered, and patience is paying off.

Northeast: Active, Messy, and Very On Brand ❄️🌧️

The Northeast continues to ride the weather roller coaster in a mostly positive direction.

We’re staying in an active pattern with frequent systems moving through. That includes snow, followed by a brief warm-up Sunday into Monday, then more action behind it.

What to expect:• Quick shifts between cold and mild• Periodic snowfall opportunities• Continued snowmaking when temps allow

Key takeaway:Conditions have been money, and any short term warm-up is merely a blip on an otherwise very positive radar.

Final Thoughts

This season has been a reminder that winter doesn’t move evenly across the map. One region’s struggle can be another’s banner year, and patterns can flip faster than a chairlift conversation about snow totals.

Right now, California is finally smiling, the Northwest is snow-dancing, the Northeast is juggling, and the Rockies are waiting for their turn.

We’ll take cold where we can get it.We’ll celebrate snow wherever it falls.And yes… we’ll keep shipping it around when necessary.

Stay tuned.- Halley

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesnowreport.substack.com

Winter is firmly back in control across much of the country. After a brief stretch of mixed conditions, colder air is settling in, snow levels are cooperating, and several regions are setting themselves up for improved skiing as we head toward the holiday period. Here’s a look at how things are shaping up around the country.

Northwest

The Northwest remains the standout over the next five to six days. A series of cold storms with low snow levels will deliver exactly what the region needs after a slow start to the season: deep, base building snow.

Snow totals are expected to stack up quickly:

* Cascades and BC Coast Range: 2 to 5 feet

* Snow levels remain low enough to favor mountain terrain

This is not just powder. This is the kind of snow that builds coverage, opens terrain, and sets resorts up for a stronger season moving forward.

Western Canada

Western Canada continues to quietly deliver. The Canadian Interior already has a solid base in place, and more snow is on the way.

* Canadian Interior and Northern U.S. Rockies: 1 to 2 feet

* Interior BC resorts continue to benefit from an already deep snowpack

These areas are well positioned heading into the heart of winter, with consistent coverage and improving conditions.

California

California has had quite a rough go to start the season. However, there may be some hope on the horizon and during the holiday week with snow in the forecast for higher elevations. Keep an eye on December 24-28th.

Colorado

Colorado’s snowpack remains below average overall, but there are signs of improvement ahead.

* A few inches expected Friday night into Saturday for the northern and central mountains

* Not a big storm, but a helpful refresh

* The December 25 to 28 window currently looks like the best opportunity for more meaningful snowfall

Terrain remains limited in some areas, but this is a forecast worth watching closely as holiday travel ramps up.

Midwest

A colder pattern settles into the Midwest with light snow through Saturday, offering a small but welcome refresh for regional ski areas.

* Light snow through Saturday

* Enough to freshen conditions, not a major storm

* Cold air sticks around after the snow tapers off

This is the kind of snowfall that helps keep surfaces in good shape and skiing enjoyable.

East Coast

New England

New England saw a brief warm and rainy stretch this past week, but that break from winter will be short lived.

* Much colder air returns

* Snow showers continue through the weekend

* Additional high elevation snow is possible into next week

This sets the region back into a more consistent winter pattern, especially for mountain resorts.

Mid-Atlantic

The Mid-Atlantic sees a quick flip on Friday as rain exits and colder air moves in.

* Rain changes briefly to snow

* Snow totals range from 1 to 4 inches from North Carolina to Pennsylvania

* Up to 6 inches possible in the northern Mid-Atlantic

* Drier weather returns for the weekend

Nothing major, but enough to freshen things up before weekend skiing.

Final Take

This is a base building stretch for the Northwest and Western Canada, a refresh cycle for the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, and a cautiously optimistic setup for Colorado heading into Christmas week. Cold air is back, snow levels are cooperating, and winter is steadily tightening its grip.

As always, ski the good snow when it shows up.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesnowreport.substack.com

Halley O’Brien here, and welcome to The Snow Report.

I’ve loved reading your messages this week. The notes, the questions, the trip plans, and yes - the beer recommendations. Keep them coming. We’ll continue to work more of those into the show as the season rolls on.

East Coast: Cold, Snowy, and Building Bases

It’s been cold and snowy across the East, and the pattern holds steady over the next five days. While we’re not looking at a blockbuster storm cycle, this stretch of weather has been extremely productive, especially behind the scenes.

Snowmaking conditions have been, for lack of a better term, elite.

Cold air is important, but what really matters is the wet bulb temperature - a measure that combines air temperature and humidity. When temperatures are cold and the air is dry, snow guns can run efficiently and produce higher-quality snow. Cold temperatures with higher humidity still work, but output drops noticeably.

This recent pattern has allowed resorts to:

* Expand terrain quickly

* Improve coverage and durability

* Lock in a solid base ahead of any future warm-ups

If conditions feel better than expected lately, there’s a good reason.

Midwest: Lake Effect Lining Up

The Midwest is shaping up for a very solid weekend.

Snow showers and lake-effect snow are expected to develop Friday and persist through Sunday. Resorts favored by northwest flow and lake enhancement should see 4–8 inches, with localized upside into double digits where bands set up just right.

That sets the table for:

* Fresh turns Friday through Sunday

* Cold temperatures preserving snow quality

* A weekend that may outperform expectations

If you’ve been waiting for a Midwest window, this one is worth watching closely.

Rocky Mountains: A Brief Reset

Parts of Colorado and Utah picked up a nice shot of winter last week, but the coming weekend looks quieter and slightly warmer by comparison.

This isn’t a negative - just a pause.

Expect:

* Fewer storms in the short term

* A reset before the next active pattern

California: Still Waiting on Winter

California remains stubbornly stuck on the sidelines.

The Sierra Nevada has yet to see a meaningful, sustained winter pattern, and patience continues to wear thin. Storms have either missed, weakened, or failed to deliver the kind of snow the region needs to build depth.

Honest weather report:No snow. No baddies. Features are fire. (Watch the show for this to make sense.)

Pacific Northwest, British Columbia & Alberta: Incoming

Finally, eyes turn to the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and Alberta.

A storm system is expected to arrive early next week, with heavy snow potential for parts of the region. Depending on how the track and intensity evolve, the Northern Rockies could also find themselves in the splash zone.

This is the most promising short-term setup in North America outside the Midwest, and one to monitor closely for both snowfall totals and travel planning.

Final Update: The Squirrels Remain Undefeated

As for the squirrels, it seems many of you are living my reality.

They’re still in the house. They party every night. I’m fairly confident Rusty bowled a perfect 300 two nights ago. And despite hearing them above me, we’ve now found acorns in the basement.

Conclusion: they’re everywhere. I have no idea how to get them out of the walls, and it’s deeply off-putting.

If anyone has a solution that doesn’t involve moving or burning the house down, I’m all ears.

Till next week,Halley

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesnowreport.substack.com

Winter finally has some momentum - and this weekend is the real deal.

Mother Nature is not messing around. After a slow start for some regions, a powerful stretch of storms is lining up for the Rockies, Pacific Northwest, and Canada, delivering heavy snow through this weekend and into early next week.

Meanwhile, the East will stay cold, but not particularly snowy - at least not at the moment. Let’s break it down.

Short-Term Setup: Storms, Storms… and More Storms

A northwest-flow storm track (storms moving NW → SE) is fully in place, and it’s about to unload. The Rockies get first dibs this weekend, followed by an increasingly active pattern for the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada heading into early next week.

Across the Rockies and the Northwest, total snowfall over the next 5 days will generally range from:

Ski Areas Favored for the Deepest Snow:

* Grand Targhee (WY)

* Mt. Baker (WA)

* Steamboat (CO)

* Vail (CO)

* Silver Mountain (ID)

* Snowbird (UT)

* Big Sky (MT)

* Revelstoke (BC)

* Whistler (BC)

If you’ve been waiting for the season to “really start”—this is it.

❄️ Quick Forecast for the West & Northwest

* Fri (Dec 5): Storms hit hard - heavy snow across BC, WA, ID, MT, WY, UT, CO.

* Sat (Dec 6): Strong follow-up storm; snow totals climb fast.

* Sun (Dec 7): Focus shifts to BC and WA for big dumps - evening snow returns to the Rockies.

* Mon (Dec 8): Snow lingers in the Rockies; a powerful “atmospheric-river” style storm smacks the Northwest (heavy snow aloft; rain/snow mix possible lower).

* Tue (Dec 9): Continued heavy snow for high terrain in NW + Rockies; lower terrain in Northern Rockies may get rain or mixed precip as warmer air moves in.

Looking Ahead (Dec 10–14)

Expect warmer and drier conditions for California, Utah, and Colorado, with limited new snow. But the Northwest and Western Canada stay in the mix: an active storm track means frequent moisture-laden storms, which could drop significant mid- / high-elevation snow - though milder temps might keep low-eulevation resorts occasionally mixed.

🧊 East: Cold, Quiet… for Now

The Eastern U.S. isn’t in for any blockbuster storms over the next 5 days. Instead, expect a persistently cold pattern, with light snow chances here and there. Think light flurries, scattered snow showers - nothing heavy or sustained - but enough to keep wintery vibes alive.

🏂 What’s Up in the Midwest?

According to recent reports from OpenSnow, the Midwest hasn’t yet seen big early-season dumps, but things are trending toward classic winter-setup. Snowmaking windows have opened at some resorts.

Lake-effect and cold-air setups often power early snow in places like northern Michigan and around the Great Lakes. As the pattern evolves closer to December, there’s cautious optimism among ski areas that Mother Nature may deliver enough natural snow, either to build a base or support snowmaking, for a legitimate early season.

Bottom line for Midwest skiers: it’s not a powder bonanza yet, but there’s enough cold and potential that ski areas should be shaping up soon. Keep an eye on forecasts, and don’t sleep on early snowmaking windows.

✅ What This Means for Skiers & Snow Lovers

* West / Northwest / Canada: If you can travel, go now. It’s shaping up to be a great weekend.

* Midwest: Watch the skies and snow-cams. The cold pattern and lake-effect potential could make for a promising early season, especially as resorts capitalize on snowmaking windows.

* East: Cold, maybe a flurry or two, but don’t expect major accumulation in the next 5 or so days. Brisk, so if you’re getting out there, make sure you’re layered properly and plan on riding through active snowmaking in spots.

Thanks for reading and watching. We’re planning on making the show into a podcast as well. Perfectly consumable in the school pick-up line, while grabbing a coffee or booting up. Check back soon.

-Halley

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thesnowreport.substack.com