These Counties To Get The Most Snow This Weekend

A blast of winter weather is set to sweep across the West and central Rockies late this weekend, bringing some of the heaviest early-season snowfall so far and delivering another indication that a colder-than-normal winter may be taking shape. Forecast models from the National Weather Service show a powerful storm system dropping south and east over the next 72 hours, pulling in enough cold air to drive temperatures well below freezing at higher elevations and triggering widespread accumulating snow from the Sierra Nevada to the Colorado Rockies.

Several mountain counties are expected to pick up multiple inches of snow as the system strengthens. Average temperatures during the event are forecast to dip into the mid-20s and low 30s across many high-elevation regions, ensuring that most of the precipitation will fall as snow. Travel over major mountain passes could become hazardous, and early-season avalanches may be possible in backcountry areas experiencing rapid new accumulation atop weak existing snowpack. A closer look at the data reveals the counties that will see the most snow this weekend.

To determine the counties that will get the most snow this weekend, Climate Crisis 247 reviewed forecast data from the NOAA’s National Digital Forecast Database. Cities were ranked based on total forecast cumulative snowfall for the period November 21 to 23, 2025.

5. Mono County, CA

Stretching along the eastern Sierra Nevada, Mono County may see nearly five inches of snow as cold Pacific moisture moves inland. Temperatures near 29°F will keep snow ratios relatively high, boosting accumulations in Mammoth Lakes and surrounding alpine areas.

4. Hinsdale County, CO

One of Colorado’s most rugged and remote counties is poised for over five inches of snow. The San Juan Mountains are expected to benefit from strong upslope flow, helping enhance totals above 10,000 feet.

3. Mineral County, CO

Situated in the Wolf Creek Pass region, Mineral County could exceed 5.8 inches of accumulation. Cold temperatures will support efficient snowfall as the core of the system sweeps through.

2. Alpine County, CA

Along the spine of the Sierra Nevada, Alpine County is expected to receive more than six inches of snow. The storm’s inland trajectory favors the eastern Sierra, raising the possibility of heavy snow over major passes near the Nevada border.

1. San Juan County, CO

San Juan County leads the country in projected snowfall, with more than 6.3 inches expected as bitter cold wraps around the storm. At roughly 24°F on average during the event, this weekend could mark the region’s first significant winter blast, and act as a foundation for deeper snowpack heading into late November.