Rockies Receive Some Much-Needed Help

It's been no secret how dry things have been out west. We've been locked under persistent high-pressure, steering any active weather up and around them. That pattern is beginning to break down. First, leading to rainfall in California, but eventually into the Rocky Mountains this week.

As our behemoth of a trough moves onshore, it's ushering in a new era of weather, that we haven't seen in a few weeks. Rain and snow chances will pick up, primarily on Wednesday. That's when travel could become dicey in the higher elevations. Winter Weather Advisories cover the Wasatch and Uintas into Thursday

The flakes will start to fly on the other side of sunset Tuesday. Snow will be possible in some form or fashion through the rest of the week, with Friday looking like the next "big" push in the high country.

Snowfall amounts will be measured with a yardstick, which could help put a dent in the sizeable deficit facing many states (above). By the time Saturday rolls around, many areas will at least pick up 12 inches, with much more possible. Travel will be treacherous, especially going up to the ski resorts over the next few days.