Maggie Valley Steve

No flurries here in the Valley, but Cataloochee had the snow guns fired up this morning on the entire mountain! More snow making tonight should guarantee they make it to the 24th for their scheduled closing date this season!

We've had a couple of days of great motorcycle riding weather across the Mountains. I'm noticing more folks out and about enjoying the break, but I am not seeing the typical early spring flowers making an appearance just yet. The models indicate we may see freezing temperatures early next week.

36 here in the Valley as well.

Flurries to light snow has started at the top of Cataloochee.

Big changes ahead for tomorrow bringing the potential for some heavy rainfall and temperatures in the 60's crashing to the mid 20’s with a chance of snow for the Mountains above 3500 ft. Looking to Thursday night, moisture quickly returns with a robust CAD in place into Friday morning, a wintry mix is looking like a real possibility.

The GFS is suggesting a bit more robust snow chance Wednesday night into Thursday.

Pouring snow at Cataloochee right now.

I'll take it.

GSP is a bit more bullish this morning regarding snow chances with the very dynamic clipper system. A dusting to an inch or two for those above 3500 ft with the highest totals near 4 inches across the Smokies. Interesting to read GSP mentioning low topped thunderstorms and small hail possible outside the Mountains. Maybe some thundersnow? Could be a non zero chance.

The good news is the Ski Areas are doing much better than last year. Cataloochee has been making snow throughout this week and with additional snow on the way for the weekend, we will not see them closing as February ends like last year!

22 this morning in the Valley.

Nothing at the Valley floor, but flurries are still flying above 4500 ft.

I've been watching the GFS slowly but steadily trending South with our Friday night/Saturday morning clipper system. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues.

30 for my low this morning and the snow guns were blowing this morning at Cataloochee!

Well, the predicted heavy rainfall has failed to materialize so far and the NWFS is looking light, but freezing temperatures look to return which will help in snow making this week. I like our chances for the possibility of overrunning ahead of the Saturday storm with a bit more robust NWFS to follow. Temperatures this weekend look cold with highs struggling to reach 30 and night lows in the low 20’s. Looking like a good Presidents Day Weekend for skiers! Enough of the doom and gloom. Time for some positives for the Mountains!

Looks like the string of gorgeous weather is coming to an end. Clouds have rolled in and rainy and potentially stormy weekend into early next week is ahead. I see that there is a NWFS possibility early next week as well. I am definitely seeing signs of a significant pattern change coming next week. Hopefully the ski areas survive the upcoming heavy rainfall. I know Cataloochee has taken advantage of the nightly below freezing temperatures the past 7 days a made a lot of snow.

Congrats Timm. You live in the NC Snow Capitol! Back in my younger days in college I enjoyed what the old Wolf Laurel could deliver! Great memories!

Down to 40 now. I'm certainly not expecting anything more than a mix at best here at 3300 ft, but I am impressed how quickly the moisture moved in and actually overcame a very dry layer this afternoon. Maybe I'll be surprised in the morning.

Currently 44. Dropped from 50 at 4PM. Light rain here now, but it's definitely at least a snow/rain mix above 4500 ft. Can't see Sheepback Mountain now and the top of Buck is mostly obscured.

Light snow has started at Cataloochee. I actually had a brief sleet shower a bit ago at the house.

Good grief! 2 Feet of snow + for Haywood County early next week.

Finally flipped to all snow. Still above freezing though.

Light rain/snow mix in Maggie.

Snowing at Cataloochee. Winds were howling earlier and temperature is down to 36.

GSP going big for the Smokies... URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE National Weather Service Greenville-Spartanburg SC 333 PM EST Sat Jan 27 2024 NCZ051-052-280445- /O.NEW.KGSP.WS.W.0003.240128T1700Z-240129T1700Z/ Swain-Haywood- 333 PM EST Sat Jan 27 2024 ...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT FROM NOON SUNDAY TO NOON EST MONDAY ABOVE 3500 FEET... * WHAT...Heavy mixed precipitation expected. Total snow accumulations of 2 to 6 inches at elevations of 3500 to 4500 feet, and 6 to 9 inches above 4500 feet. Winds will gust 40 to 50 mph. * WHERE...High elevations of Swain and Haywood Counties, above 3500 feet. * WHEN...From noon Sunday to noon EST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.