October 2017 snowfall was strongest in the higher elevations of western Canada and the northern Rockies with some lesser amounts in Colorado. First half of November snowfall was high in the Pacific Northwest and inland northern regions, resulting in some early openings and likelihood of excellent skiing by December. There are already deep snowpacks over 4 feet at Mt. Baker, Whistler and Grand Targhee. The farther south you go, the less snow there is, and some opening dates are being pushed back.
California: An early November storm only snowed more than a few inches north of Lake Tahoe and over 8,000 feet. This week's
storm was much bigger though also mostly over 8,000 feet. Mt. Rose got 41-52 inches and will open Nov. 18. Mammoth got 22 inches at Main
Lodge and is 5% open but more will open soon with 3+ feet up top. Other snow totals from 8,000+: Squaw 24, Alpine Meadows 24, Heavenly 23,
Kirkwood 24.
Pacific Northwest: The region had some October storms but the rain/snow line was above all but the alpine sectors of Whistler
and Mt. Bachelor. First half of November snowfall has been widespread and many areas will be open by this weekend. Mt. Baker
is 90% open on a 64-81 inch base. Whistler has had 92 inches snowfall, a 72 inch base and opened 600 acres on 1,800 vertical today.
Other snowfalls, base depths, openings if known: Crystal (57 inches, 24-44, 25%), Stevens (48, 24-37, 12%), Hood Meadows (63, 37-50, Nov. 18),
Mt. Bachelor (100, 41-44, Nov. 18).
Canadian Rockies and Interior B.C.: Snowfall has been abundant in this region since late October. Snowfall, base depths,
openings if known: Big White (17 inches, 11, Nov. 23), Red Mt. (51, 28, Dec. 8), Whitewater (69, 43, Dec. 8), Revelstoke (112, 43, Dec. 2),
Kicking Horse (115, 35, Dec. 8), Fernie (84, 34, Dec. 1), Lake Louise (50, 24-27, 30%), Sunshine (52, 32, 35%).
U. S. Northern Rockies: Grand Targhee had 45 inches October snowfall, another 65 so far in November and opened 82% today on a
56 inch base. Snowfall, base depths, openings if known: Jackson Hole (82 inches, 36, Nov. 25),
Schweitzer (68, 28-30, Nov. 18), Brundage (44, 10-20), Sun Valley (41, 22-32, Nov. 23).
Utah: Utah had minimal October snow and has been on the edge of November storms. Opening dates have been delayed. Snowfall
totals: Alta 18 inches, Snowbird 13, Brighton 18, Solitude 17, Snowbasin 17. About a foot more snow is expected from the current storm.
Northern and Central Colorado: A-Basin opened a run on snowmaking October 13 followed by Loveland on October 20. November snowfall
has been below average and all skiing is on a manmade base of no more than 18 inches. Snowfall and/or percents open: A-Basin (9%),
Breckenridge (14 inches, 2%), Copper (2%), Keystone (13), Loveland (13, 7%), Winter Park (23, 2%). About a foot of new snow is expected
by this weekend.
Southern and Western Colorado: This region has been drier than those farther north. The Rocky Mountain Biological Lab at Gothic
(between Crested Butte and Aspen) had 17 inches in October and 12 inches so far in November, less than half of normal. Even Wolf Creek
has had just 26 inches and is 10% open on a 10-inch base. While a foot of new snow is expected by this weekend, skiing through the
rest of November in this region will be on just an handful of snowmaking runs. Advanced terrain is likely to be limited until after
New Year's unless December is much snowier than average like last year.
Northeast: Killington was the first opening on November 8 as there was too much warm weather and rain in October. There has been
some recent snow but all skiing is oin snowmaking. Snowfall and/or percents open: Jay (9 inches, 1%), Stowe (6, 9%), Sugarbush (5, 2%),
Killington (7, 7%), Okemo (8%), Sugarloaf (4%), Sunday River (6%), Whiteface (2, Nov. 18), Cannon (5, Nov. 24), Le Massif (7, Dec. 2).
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