North America Weekly Snow Roundup #284

• Widespread October snow primes the West for early openings.
• Mission Ridge scores 10” as Mammoth ploughs mid-month storm.
• Colorado snowmaking surges; Nov 6 target set at Copper.
• Canadian Rockies log repeated falls across Alberta and BC.

Pacific Northwest and Cascades Snow Report and Ski Conditions

The start of the 25-26 season feels close in North America with widespread snowfall on mountain peaks and temperatures cold enough for pre-season snowmaking to ramp up in many areas.

The past week saw weather warnings for snowfall in eight states, with Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Montana seeing the heaviest accumulations.

Washington’s Mission Ridge was one of the big winners, reporting 10” of snowfall before the sunshine returned on Tuesday.

Pacific Northwest and Cascades Snow Forecast
In the Pacific Northwest, including the Cascades and British Columbia’s Coast Mountains, expect frequent snow showers and cooler temperatures, with accumulations of 6-12” (15–30cm) possible at higher elevations.

California Sierra Nevada Ski Update and Weather Outlook

Further south, there was a decent mid-October dump on Californian mountains too, with Mammoth Mountain posting pics of snow ploughs working as the snow accumulated on Tuesday.

Opening day is just a month away now.

California Sierra Nevada Snow Forecast
In California’s Sierra Nevada, a brief midweek system may bring light snow, especially to higher peaks like Mammoth and Tahoe.

USA Rockies Early-Season Snow Report and Forecast

Snowmaking systems have also fired up at a growing number of resorts with the battle to open first strong between resorts like Arapahoe Basin (which announced its snowmaking was underway on Monday), Loveland and Keystone, all aiming to be October openers.

Copper Mountain is snowmaking ahead of its fixed target opening date of November 6th – one of the earliest named dates.

USA Rockies Weather and Snow Forecast
The Rockies, particularly in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming, will see intermittent snowfall, with light to moderate accumulations and colder air settling in by Friday.

Canadian Rockies and British Columbia Snow Report and Forecast

North of the border, there's been plenty of snowfall reported on high slopes again in Alberta and BC, with Silver Star reporting its first snowfall of the autumn, whilst for ski areas like Marmot Basin near Jasper and Sunshine near Banff, it's just the latest of multiple accumulations this fall, with provisional season start dates now less than a month away.

Canadian Rockies and BC Snow Forecast
The Northern Rockies in Montana and Alberta could see persistent flurries. The Canadian Rockies, including Banff and Lake Louise, will experience colder temperatures and light snow showers, especially Thursday and Friday.

Overall, conditions should support pre-season snowmaking and alpine touring, with sub-zero highs across higher terrain. Early-season conditions are improving, especially in the West, with colder air and fresh snow supporting pre-season preparations.

Eastern US and New England Early Season Outlook

At the same time, the Eastern US, including the Adirondacks and New England, remains dry, with primarily cool, crisp conditions and only a slight chance of snow by Saturday.