...MAJOR WINTER STORM TO BRING BLIZZARD CONDITIONS TO PORTIONS OF WESTERN AND SOUTHERN MINNESOTA ALONG WITH POTENTIALLY SIGNIFICANT ACCUMULATING SNOW TO CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN MINNESOTA INTO WESTERN WISCONSIN LATE THIS MORNING THROUGH MONDAY MORNING... .A developing potent winter storm over the Central Plains this morning will become much stronger as it moves toward the Great Lakes through Monday morning. Snow will develop over western Minnesota near sunrise, with a rain/snow mix developing farther east. The rain/snow mix across eastern Minnesota and Wisconsin will quickly turn to snow later this morning as temperatures drop during the daylight hours. Steady snow will continue through early Monday morning. Accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are forecast across eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, with amounts tapering off to a few inches across far western Minnesota. In addition, strong northwest winds gusting to 45 to 55 mph are expected by this evening, leading to blizzard conditions in open areas of central and southern Minnesota through early Monday morning. A Blizzard Warning is in effect in a corridor from Morris and Long Prairie, south to Granite Falls and the far southwestern Twin Cities metro, to the Mankato and Albert Lea areas. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect for the rest of eastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Travel conditions will become dangerous later today through early Monday morning. Alternative travel plans should be considered. * WHAT...Blizzard conditions expected. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 9 inches. Winds gusting as high as 45 mph. * WHERE...Sibley, Carver, Scott, Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Freeborn, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Rice, Steele, Waseca, and Watonwan Counties. * WHEN...From 9 AM this morning to 9 AM CST Monday. * IMPACTS...Whiteout conditions are expected and will make travel treacherous and potentially life-threatening. Travel could be very difficult. Widespread blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions will impact the Monday morning commute. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches.
No new snow to report today, with snowpack levels sitting at 0". Snowpack levels for this time of year average around 2 inches, but can be as high as 11 inches. Weather today, a chance of rain before 8am, then snow. the snow could be heavy at times. widespread blowing snow, mainly after 11am. widespread fog, mainly before 8am. temperature falling to around 11 by 5pm. wind chill values as low as -11. windy, with a northwest wind 20 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible. Up to 3" of more snowfall forecasted over the next 5 days.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Blue Earth 1s.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Mount Kato Ski Area.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Mount Kato Ski Area impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The pertinent mountain range for Mount Kato Ski Area in Minnesota is the Coteau des Prairies, which is a relatively flat and rolling region that extends into the state from the Dakotas.
Mount Kato Ski Area itself does not have any significant mountain aspects as it is located in a relatively flat area of southern Minnesota. The highest point at the ski area is only around 835 feet above sea level. Despite this, Mount Kato offers a variety of runs and terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels to enjoy.
The resort boasts over 19 runs with a vertical drop of 240 feet. The best trails for advanced skiers are the Upper Ridge and Lower Ridge runs. Mount Kato also has a rich history, having been opened in 1963 and now run by third-generation owners. For beginners, the resort recommends trying the Bunny Hill and Magic Carpet. The best après-ski bar in the area is the Loose Moose Saloon, located on site, which offers a selection of drinks and live music on weekends.
The ski area received 0" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, a chance of rain before 8am, then snow. the snow could be heavy at times. widespread blowing snow, mainly after 11am. widespread fog, mainly before 8am. temperature falling to around 11 by 5pm. wind chill values as low as -11. windy, with a northwest wind 20 to 30 mph, with gusts as high as 45 mph. chance of precipitation is 100%. new snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.
Mount Kato Ski Area is expected to receive up to 2.93" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.