Finally, our first big storm of 2019 will impact everyone from the Midwest plains to the tip of New England and we couldn't be more excited!
So the big question everyone wants to know, just how much are we getting? The heaviest most persistent bands could drop 30"+ in parts of NY and New England. The storm will move into the upstate sometime Saturday afternoon with a snowfall rate of 1-2" an hour. The heaviest snows will come during the overnight slowly diminishing as we go into Sunday. Lake effect snows will continue for the usual recipients, then temperatures drop and the wind picks up creating bone chilling white out conditions. When it's all said and done (if the numbers line up) the whole state of New York could be rideable, but I guess we'll have to wait and see. Check back with UpstateSnow.com this evening for a final call forecast.
As the storm moves into the Midwest plains later today, Johndee.com is calling for a generalized 5-10" from SE South Dakota, SW Minnesota and into NW Iowa. Areas like the rest of Southern Minnesota, Northern Illinois, Indiana, Ohio will likely see around 3-6". Not much action in the north country other than a some light accumulations for the LE snow belt. The freeze line will drop into the southern Midwest as we approach the weekend bringing frigid temperatures down into the north country.
Out west is getting in on the action as well with a snowstorm of their own that has been bringing heavy accumulations all along the eastern side of the divide since Wednesday. It has been absolutely puking snow across western Colorado with places like Steamboat could be measuring in feet by Saturday morning. Don't forget Rocky Mountain Sled Conditions is the place to look before you plan your next ride!
Avalanches safety is always of concern and with the recent wet heavy snowfall and enhanced wind please check before you go!