National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Snow Impacts in the Sierra Nevada and Great Lakes

Heavy snow over parts of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Upper Great Lakes will cause slick roads into Monday morning. Travel could be very difficult to impossible in the Sierra Nevada. Read More >

 

 

Snow Amount Potential
Experimental -
 
Expected Snowfall - Official NWS Forecast (for time range indicated)
Point Range
Expected Snowfall - Official NWS Forecast
What's this?
High End Amount
1 in 10 Chance (10%) of Higher Snowfall

Maximum Potential Snow Accumulation
What's this?
Low End Amount
9 in 10 Chance (90%) of Higher Snowfall

Minimum Potential Snow Accumulation
What's this?

Low End Amount – 9 in 10 Chance (90%) of Higher Snowfall

 

This map depicts a reasonable lower-end snowfall amount for the time period shown on the graphic, based on many computer model simulations of possible snowfall totals. This lower amount is an unlikely scenario with a 9 in 10, or 90% chance that more snow will fall, and only a 1 in 10, or 10% chance that less snow will fall. This number can help serve as a lower-end scenario for planning purposes.

Expected Snowfall - Official NWS Forecast

 

This map is the official NWS snowfall forecast in inches during the time period shown on the graphic. In an ongoing winter event, it might not represent the complete storm total snowfall (refer to the Event Total map on the red-colored tab). This snowfall amount is determined by NWS forecasters to be the most likely outcome based on evaluation of data from computer models, satellite, radar, and other observations.

High End Amount – Only a 1 in 10 Chance (10%) of Higher Snowfall

 

This map depicts a reasonable upper-end snowfall amount for the time period shown on the graphic, based on many computer model simulations of possible snowfall totals. This higher amount is an unlikely scenario, with only a 1 in 10, or 10% chance that more snow will fall, and a 9 in 10, or 90% chance that less snow will fall. This number can help serve as an upper-end scenario for planning purposes.

 
The purpose of these experimental probabilistic snowfall products is to provide customers and partners a range of snowfall possibilities, in complement to existing NWS deterministic snowfall graphics, to better communicate forecast uncertainties during winter weather events. For more information visit this project's Product/Service Description Document, and please provide us your feedback here.
Percent Chance That Snow Amounts Will Be Greater Than...
Experimental -
 
What's this?

Percent Chance That Snow Amounts Will Be Greater Than

 

This series of maps shows the probability (that is, the likelihood) that snowfall will equal or exceed specific amounts during the time period shown on the graphic. These forecasts are based on many computer model simulations of possible snowfall totals.

Hover over thumbnails below to view larger image.
>=0.1"
>=0.1"
>=1"
>=1"
>=2"
>=2"
>=4"
>=4"
>=6"
>=6"
>=8"
>=8"
>=12"
>=12"
>=18"
>=18"

Snowfall Totals by Location
Experimental -
 
What's this?

Snowfall Totals by Location

 

These tables show the snowfall forecast for individual locations, and provide the same information as the graphics on this web page, just shown in a different way. All of these values are valid for the same time period as depicted on the graphics.

County:
 
Ice Accumulation Potential
 
Expected Ice Accumulation - Official NWS Forecast
Most Likely Ice Accumulation

What's this?

Most Likely Ice Accumulation

Represents our official ice forecast in inches within the next one to three days. The ice accumulation amounts are provided in ranges.


 

 

 

 
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Snow Amount Potential
Experimental -
 
Expected Snowfall - Official NWS Forecast
Point Range
Expected Snowfall - Official NWS Forecast
What's this?
High End Amount
1 in 10 Chance (10%) of Higher Snowfall

Maximum Potential Snow Accumulation
What's this?
Low End Amount
9 in 10 Chance (90%) of Higher Snowfall

Minimum Potential Snow Accumulation
What's this?

Low End Amount – 9 in 10 Chance (90%) of Higher Snowfall

 

This map depicts a reasonable lower-end snowfall amount for the time period shown on the graphic, based on many computer model simulations of possible snowfall totals. This lower amount is an unlikely scenario with a 9 in 10, or 90% chance that more snow will fall, and only a 1 in 10, or 10% chance that less snow will fall. This number can help serve as a lower-end scenario for planning purposes.

Expected Snowfall - Official NWS Forecast

 

This map is the official NWS snowfall forecast in inches during the time period shown on the graphic. This snowfall amount is determined by NWS forecasters to be the most likely outcome based on evaluation of data from computer models, satellite, radar, and other observations.

High End Amount – Only a 1 in 10 Chance (10%) of Higher Snowfall

 

This map depicts a reasonable upper-end snowfall amount for the time period shown on the graphic, based on many computer model simulations of possible snowfall totals. This higher amount is an unlikely scenario, with only a 1 in 10, or 10% chance that more snow will fall, and a 9 in 10, or 90% chance that less snow will fall. This number can help serve as an upper-end scenario for planning purposes.

 
The purpose of these experimental probabilistic snowfall products is to provide customers and partners a range of snowfall possibilities, in complement to existing NWS deterministic snowfall graphics, to better communicate forecast uncertainties during winter weather events. For more information visit this project's Product/Service Description Document, and please provide us your feedback here.
Percent Chance That Snow Amounts Will Be Greater Than...
Experimental -
 
What's this?

Percent Chance That Snow Amounts Will Be Greater Than

 

This series of maps shows the probability (that is, the likelihood) that snowfall will equal or exceed specific amounts during the time period shown on the graphic. These forecasts are based on many computer model simulations of possible snowfall totals.

Hover over thumbnails below to view larger image.
>=0.1"
>=0.1"
>=1"
>=1"
>=2"
>=2"
>=4"
>=4"
>=6"
>=6"
>=8"
>=8"
>=12"
>=12"
>=18"
>=18"
Other Snow/Ice Information
Storm Track Observed Snow/Ice Amounts Winter Storm Severity Index
Storm Total Ice Graphic
Latest snow report
Winter Storm Severity Index
What's this? What's this? What's this?
Onset of Wintry Precipitation
(For areas under Warning or Advisory)
End of Wintry Precipitation
(For areas under Warning or Advisory)
 
Winter Precipitation Onset
Winter Precipitation End Time
 
What's this? What's this?  

Low Tracks Graphic

The graphic depicts the forecast location of significant surface lows impacting the 48 contiguous United States in 12 hour increments out to 72 hours into the future.

The low position and track forecast by NCEP WPC meteorologist is in white. Each low position is accompanied by a lead time (Eastern Time). The circles around each low represents a 75% probability the observed low will be located with the circle. Note: The probability is derived using previous season's verification data. For reference, existing surface lows are depicted with a red marker without yellow circles.

Precipitation Onset

Most likely time of winter precipitation onset (snow, sleet, freezing rain). Rain is not included here. This information is provided when we issue a Warning or Advisory for expected snow or ice accumulation; typically six to 24 hours in advance. Times are only given for places that are under a Warning or Advisory. They will be blank in areas outside Warnings or Advisories.

Precipitation End Time

Most likely time that the accumulating winter precipitation ends (snow, sleet, freezing rain). Rain is not included here. This information is provided when we issue a Warning or Advisory for expected snow or ice accumulation; typically six to 24 hours in advance of the onset. Times are only given for places that are under a Warning or Advisory. They will be blank in areas outside Warnings or Advisories.

Reported

As snow and/or ice reports come into the NWS (you can email reports to lwx.webmaster@noaa.gov or Tweet to @NWS_BaltWash), we will pass them on here. With the map linked here, and the supporting reports below it, you can keep tabs on how much has fallen.

Winter Storm Severity Index

The purpose of the Winter Storm Severity Index (WSSI) is to provide NWS partners and the general public with an indication of the level of winter precipitation (snow and ice) severity and its potential related societal impacts.

 

Useful Winter Weather Information
Historic Mid-Atlantic
Winter Storms
Winter/Snowfall
Statistics
El Niño and
DC/Baltimore Winters
Watches, Warnings,
& Advisories
How to
Measure Snow
La Niña and
DC/Baltimore Winters
** BE PREPARED! **
At Home On the Road Outside in the Cold
Long-Range Forecast
 

Days 4-7

Day 4 Winter Weather Outlook Day 5 Winter Weather Outlook
Day 4 Winter Weather Outlook Day 5 Winter Weather Outlook
 
Day 6 Winter Weather Outlook Day 7 Winter Weather Outlook
Day 6 Winter Weather Outlook Day 7 Winter Weather Outlook
 
Days 4-5 Forecast Precipitation Days 6-7 Forecast Precipitation
Days 4-5 Precip Days 6-7 Precip
 
 

Days 6-10

Temperature  Precipitation
6-10 day temperature 6-10 day precipitation
 
 

Days 8-14

TEMPERATURE  PRECIPITATION
8-14 day temperature 8-14 day precipitation
 
 

Week 3-4

TEMPERATURE

PRECIPITATION

Week 3-4 Temperature Week 3-4 precipitation
Winter Storm Severity Index (WSSI) Winter Storm Outlook (WSO)
Winter Storm Severity Index
Winter Storm Outlook
Maryland Ice Accumulation Forecast
Maryland Ice Accumulation Forecast Maryland Ice Accumulation Forecast