Eastern warmth means Rocky Mountain snow?

Over the last couple of weeks, there have been several weather patterns that have supported warm, if not, hot temperatures across the eastern half of the United States (this includes Michiana). But, warmer weather in the East creates a much different story for the Mountain West. 

Areas in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, and Colorado have already seen large amounts of snow over the last couple of days. Even a few ski resorts in Colorado have already seen snowfall totals as high as a foot or more! This is great news for the resorts and skiers alike, because this is the first big snow of the season, and October as only just begun. 

The reason the Mountain West has already seen the fresh powder has to do with our warmer weather in Michiana. High pressure over us has allowed our temps to swell 15 to 20 degrees above normal during the last 2 weeks of September. However, out west, they've been dealing with low pressure and several days of cooler weather, allowing these early snowstorms to form.