October was much warmer than normal across the West with some areas setting high temperature records, though the pattern did start to turn more seasonal toward the end of the month. November is shaping up to be much colder and more active. 

October 2024 Review

October featured well above normal temperatures for most of the West, and some areas in the Southwest and the Rockies had one of their warmest Octobers on record. Hiking and biking season extended later in the season than usual across the Rockies, while desert areas saw summer-like heat through the first 3 weeks of the month.

Cooler weather eventually arrived toward the end of the month, reminding us that winter is just around the corner.

The one region that did not experience anomalous warmth was the Pacific Northwest, where temperatures were near to just slightly above normal. 

The first half of October was very dry across the West, but during the second half of the month, the pattern turned more active. Many areas in Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah ended up with near to above-normal precipitation, including snow in the mountains. The Cascades and coastal Pacific Northwest also finished with near-normal precipitation. 

Snowfall and Snowpack Update for Early November

The end of October and the beginning of November have turned colder and snowier across the West, and we are well on our way to building an early-season snowpack for ski season. A few ski areas in Colorado have already opened for the season.

As of November 4th, snow cover exists in mountainous areas throughout the West, including the Rockies, Sierra, and Cascades. The deepest snow cover currently exists in the Cascades of Washington and Oregon and in the San Juans of Colorado.

View → Current Snow Depth Map

November 2024 Outlook

Following a mild October, more seasonal weather conditions in terms of temperatures and precipitation/snowfall are expected across the West in November.

NOAA's monthly outlook that was published at the end of October projects equal chances of above or below-normal temperatures throughout the West, while above-normal precipitation is expected over the Northwest.

Based on current/recent conditions and more recent model data, OpenSnow forecasters are expecting a higher likelihood of below-normal temperatures this month at least over the Rockies, and perhaps for most of the West as the dominant pattern looks to favor a trough of low pressure over the West and a ridge of high pressure over the East.

Also, OpenSnow forecasters are expecting a higher likelihood of above-normal precipitation and snowfall in November for the Southern Rockies, including Colorado and New Mexico, due to a very active near-term forecast and no obvious signs of prolonged dry spells in the extended range. 

The colder and more active pattern expected in November is good news for ski season as this could potentially help many areas build a strong early-season base. But of course, the season is still young and a strong start in November doesn't guarantee an amazing season (just like a slow start doesn't doom a ski season).

Be sure to follow our local experts across the Western U.S. throughout the upcoming ski season, and also check out our 10-day and hourly snow & weather forecasts for ski resorts, backcountry zones, mountain towns, and custom points which are available with an All-Access subscription.

Thanks so much for reading! I will post the next monthly update in early November.

Alan Smith