Now effectively into December, with the vacation break solely two weeks away, many are enthusiastic about our mountain snowpack. Is the outlook good for snowboarding and winter recreation?
I believe I can provide you a sensible reply at this level.
Let’s begin with the present state of affairs, inspecting the % of regular snow water content material across the western U.S. (see under).
The state of affairs is sort of favorable proper now. The snowpack is effectively above regular (150% and extra) for the northern Sierra Nevada, Nevada, and most of Oregon. Washington State is doing effectively, with central and southern Cascades above regular.
And people there’s extra coming! The UW mannequin forecast of whole snow accumulation over the subsequent 5 days is proven under. Wholesome snow accumulations for your entire West Coast, with significantly heavy snow over the mountains of California. That is good for water sources and lessens the fireplace probability now and sooner or later.
It is a La Nina winter and the standard La Nina atmospheric configuration is in place, with a giant ridge of excessive stress within the japanese Pacific. This ridge has been very persistent. A ridge offshore produces cool, northwesterly stream over the Northwest, and we now have definitely been a lot colder than regular over the previous month.
As an example, under is the temperature distinction from regular for the previous month. The entire west has been colder than regular, with northeastern Washington and Montana WAY colder than regular. Blame La Nina.
Right here is the most recent prediction for the subsequent 30 days from the European Heart mannequin. Wow. Colder than regular circumstances over your entire West! Makes one need to refill on sizzling chocolate and marshmallows.
With an excellent snowpack in place, extra coming, and chilly temperatures predicted, I believe first rate vacation winter recreation is nearly assured.
