Winter in the West

During low index patterns, these frontal systems can be quite deep, even extending into southern California, producing cold-core lows and showery weather. This also tends to allow moisture to circumvent the Sierra Nevadas through the Mojave Desert into the Great Basin, causing snowstorms eastward into Utah. These deep storm systems are particularly favored during El Nio years (the pattern this winter is neither El Nio nor La Nia), but they can occur in any season and theyll definitely have impacts on your flying plans.

Editorial Staff

Wednesday, January 29, 2020 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

Contrary to popular belief, the Western U.S. in winter presents diverse and severe flying hazards, including strong frontal systems, clear air turbulence, and extreme winds.
Key phenomena include moisture-rich "Pineapple Express" systems, deep arctic cold waves leading to dangerous canyon winds, and Great Basin Highs that can generate both Santa Ana winds and prolonged valley fog.
Pilots should be prepared for various challenges such as icing, severe turbulence, strong crosswinds, and persistent low visibility conditions, often requiring instrument flying skills in affected regions.

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What comes to mind when winter hits? In the east we think of Nor’easters, snowstorms in the Great Plains, and IMC in the southeast. We think of the western states as dominated by clear skies and light winds. Our perceptions are probably influenced a bit by the constant news of drought and wildfires, the sunny ambience of Hollywood movies, and maybe that 1970s song about it never raining in southern California.

If you’ll be flying west of the Rockies, though, don’t let your guard down. Reality is that the West is not always blessed with clear skies and mild weather. The worst of the flying hazards occur during the winter, and some of them can be just as severe as the problems out east. Thankfully we’ll sort things out and help you figure out what to expect.