Heavy mountain snowstorm brings 10-20 inches of snow to western Idaho mountains with thundersnow and graupel possible Wednesday even in the valleys.

Heavy rains and alpine snow to impact British Columbia's South Coast this week, raising the avalanche danger throughout the region.

Snow showers continue late Tuesday night into North Idaho and up in the mountains, but most low elevations will get a break from the precipitation to start Wednesday.

Mount Bachelor, which received 10 inches of snow over the weekend, still has a meager base depth of 27 inches — just enough to run a ski hill. Only half of the mountain’s ski lifts were open Monday morning, and the ski area has been warning riders to remain cautious and stick to groomed terrain.

Between Tuesday and Thursday, 2-4 feet of new snow is expected, with wind gusts up to 40mph over the mountains. A winter storm warning is now in effect for the Cascade Mountains. SEE ALSO | Did record rainfall and historic flooding end Washington’s longtime drought?

To put it into context, Ahue explained that Maunakea's and Mauna Loa's summits are both near 14,000 feet, comparable to mountain peaks in Colorado and California that also receive snow. In Hawaii, he said,