It's a Gift, But You'll Have to Wait

TL;DR:

    Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all. From all of us here at Utah Ski Weather, we hope your holidays are filled with happiness and dreams of deep pow. 

Stay cheery

It may not snow today

But the gift of pow is certainly on the way

Deep turns for some

Deep turns for all 

If everyone smiles

The snow will fall

Nowcast:

    Currently, temperatures are in the twenties with strong winds at the ridgelines coming out of the West. Clear skies will continue through the morning with scattered clouds as the day progresses. 

The start above Alta this morning, Alta

Short term:

    As the saying goes good things are worth waiting for. If snow is something good for you then be patient, your gift is on the way but Santa can't fit this in his bag. If we have all been nice this past year next week could deliver more of the Utah powder skiing we know and love. While we currently sit under a ridge of high pressure early next week the trough that follows will move inland. Monday we can expect the temperatures to rise slightly as the Southwesterly flow advects warm air into the area. Monday night the trough will make landfall with the storm arriving Tuesday.

This is Monday night, the trough axis is highlighted and will move inland through the night. As a result of the trough's orientation, strong Southwesterly flow will bring warmer air from off the coast of Southern California and the Baja prior to the storm's arrival. U of U Department of Atmospheric Science

Long term:

    Early Tuesday as the trough continues East mountain snow will be possible yet the freezing level could remain isolated to upper elevations. Tuesday night and throughout the day Wednesday the trough could deepen bringing cold air to the area from the North. Wednesday and Thursday will see the brunt of the storm with precipitation totals above an inch possible through the Wasatch. This could be another all-time storm but be patient, good things are worth waiting for.

    If you plan to travel in the backcountry ensure you are properly equipped and know before you go. For all things avalanche and the full avalanche forecast head over to our friends at the Utah Avalanche Center.