This POWDER ALERT is for TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22ND.

It’s been a tough month. Dry and cold. Then dry and warm. And most recently, warm and wet. But things are changing dramatically today as a vigorous cold front slices through the Northwest. Behind the front, the air is much colder. Snow levels will fall from near 6,000 feet in the early morning to as low as 1,000 feet tonight. With plenty of showers moving in behind the front, we’ll get our first opportunity to ski/board in high-quality, dry and fluffy new powder in over a month. Tuesday is the day.

Here are some specifics:

For the north and central Oregon Cascades…
Expect 6 to 12 inches of new snow between Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning.

For the southern Oregon Cascades, Siskiyous and the Blue Mountains in northeast Oregon…
Expect 4 to 8 inches of new snow between late Monday night and midday Tuesday.

There will be some strong west winds with this storm system, so the new snow will not be evenly distributed. Deeper stashes of snow are likely on the leeward (east-facing) bowls and slopes. Exposed areas above the tree line may get wind-scoured, so the snow will be best in the trees.

This Monday/Tuesday storm is a one shot deal. Looking ahead to the rest of the holiday week, sunshine and dry weather will return from Wednesday through Christmas Day. Beyond Christmas, the computer models become wishy-washy – but most models indicate mainly dry conditions continuing.

Enjoy, and Happy Holidays!

Drew Jackson
KPTV FOX 12 meteorologist

Check out www.SkiOregon.org for current conditions at all Oregon Ski Areas!