WESTERN MOUNTAINS | WEATHER | November 14, 2026
Quick Take
- A series of Pacific storms is bringing the first major snow of the season to the Sierra Nevada, Utah’s mountains and southwest Colorado.
- Storm totals by late next week could reach several feet on the highest peaks, giving ski resorts a big boost before Thanksgiving.
- Mountain travel will be rough at times, with chain controls, strong winds and snow falling down to around 5,000 feet.
What’s coming?
After a dry fall, the West’s “storm door” has finally opened. The first of three storms hit the Sierra Nevada on Friday. The National Weather Service forecast at least a foot of snow above 7,000 feet and up to 1 to 2 feet along the Sierra crest, with ridge gusts as strong as 60 to 80 mph.
Over the full week, the highest Sierra terrain could pick up 1 to 3 feet as more storms come through. In Utah, forecasters say the three-storm cycle could bring 1 to 4 feet or more to the mountains, with the biggest totals in the upper Cottonwood Canyons.
Where and when?
The first storm peaked Friday night into Saturday morning. In Utah, it brought 4 to 8 inches to the Wasatch and up to 10 inches to the southern mountains above 9,000 feet.
The second storm arrives Sunday afternoon in the Sierra and moves into Utah Sunday into Monday. It will be colder. Snow levels could drop to about 5,000 feet, and snow may even reach the Salt Lake Valley floor. Forecasters give Donner Pass about a 90% chance of at least 6 inches from this storm.
A third storm is expected from Wednesday through Friday, November 18-20. The Climate Prediction Center shows a moderate risk of heavy snow in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains on Tuesday, November 17, and a heavy snow risk across Western mountain ranges through November 23.
Who feels it most?
Ski resorts and holiday travelers have the most riding on this pattern. Several Tahoe resorts are aiming to open around November 19-20, and Palisades Tahoe plans to start its season over the Thanksgiving holiday. Utah forecasters say the snow could help resorts there open in time for Thanksgiving weekend too.
Drivers crossing Interstate 80, U.S. 50 and mountain passes in Utah and Colorado will face slick roads, low visibility and delays. Strong winds could also knock down trees and power lines in mountain communities.
What should you do?
If you are driving over the mountains, check road conditions before you leave and carry chains, warm layers, water and a phone charger. Travel between storms when you can, and avoid the Sierra passes during the heaviest snow.
If you are planning a Thanksgiving ski trip, check resort opening dates and lift updates before booking, since early-season terrain may be limited. Backcountry users should check avalanche forecasts, because new snow on a thin early base can be unstable.
What comes next?
Once the third storm moves through late next week, forecasters expect conditions to settle heading into Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26. Exact totals will be easier to pin down over the coming days, especially for the last storm.
If the pattern holds, the West’s major ski regions could start the 2026-27 season with one of their best pre-Thanksgiving snowfalls in recent years.
By the Numbers
| Detail | Figure |
|---|---|
| Sierra crest, first storm | Up to 2 feet |
| Utah mountains, three storms | 1 to 4+ feet |
| Snow levels by Monday | Around 5,000 feet |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26, 2026 |
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