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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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A meteorologist is warning that the Western U.S. is "about to get pounded" with heavy snow as forecast models anticipate 10 feet of snow hitting over the next 10 days.
The forecast comes as western states, including Colorado, Utah, and California, have seen a snow deficit so far this year. The Florida Panhandle has seen more snow than Salt Lake City so far this season, and California water officials warn that the snowpack is far below what it should be at this time of year, a concerning fact that could dictate how the state combats drought during the dry months.
Meanwhile, ski resorts are reporting a significant lack of snow in the west. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that the dry weather pattern will soon change, with heavy winter precipitation on the way.
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Current winter storm warnings are in place across California, Wyoming, and Colorado, with up to 24 inches of snow possible in high-elevation areas this week. WFLA-TV Chief Meteorologist Jeff Berardelli said much more is on the way.
"Wait [for] it… The West is about to get pounded as a series of storms dumps up to 10 feet of #snow! The heaviest will be Sierra of #California but Colorado, Utah and Wyoming will finally get some much needed action," Berardelli posted on X.
The first storm in the series hit California on Tuesday, and AccuWeather meteorologists said additional storm chances are possible later this week, into the weekend, and next week.
"Storms along the West Coast early this week will end California’s extended dry stretch and bring multiple rounds of rain, gusty winds and significant mountain snow," AccuWeather said in an email sent to reporters. "The change is expected to benefit snowpack and reservoirs, but may also introduce travel and operational disruptions across key corridors."
As of Wednesday evening, winter storm warnings in effect across the west are set to expire within the next few hours or Thursday morning, depending on the location. However, if the heavy snow materializes, NWS meteorologists will issue additional warnings.
The NWS is already issuing messaging about the potential impacts.
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"Upper-level energy associated with an upper-level low will move onshore over California and move to Northwestern Mexico by Friday," NWS said in a forecast on Wednesday. "The system will produce rain and higher-elevation snow over parts of California into the Southwest through Thursday morning. Rain and higher elevation snow will continue over the Great Basin through Friday."
Looking further ahead, the NWS Climate Prediction Center anticipates a chance of above-average precipitation across California and much of the rest of the West through February 25. Outlooks also anticipate below-average temperatures across California during the same time period, meaning the precipitation will likely fall as snow, at least in high-elevation areas.
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