Sept 22

Hello Skiers,

Today is the first day of fall. That means it’s time to assemble the winter snow forecast. I am pasting it together and will have it out soon. I am optimistic, plentiful snow will fall in the NW.

Next week (Wed) I am attending a workshop with the Weather Service and top NOAA scientists from the Climate Prediction Center, who produce the official seasonal forecasts. I’ll be grilling them, holding their feet to the fire -- until they are near tears. I have my own thoughts on how the snow will fall, but I want to get their valuable input. Of course it’s all in fun – a collaborative effort – no tears, all smiles, group hug.

As you know I am not too keen on long range forecast. Last year El Nino bust, is a good example why I remain skeptical. We did benefit, here in the NW, from the missed season forecast. We had with a near snowpack. Recall, the forecast was for 20% below normal snowpack for last season.

Plus, think about it – it doesn’t really tell you what the character of the snow will be. Will the best snow be in one particular week or month? That why following Open Snow is valuable – we guide you to the specific snow events – that is the key to your fun! It’s all about you, baby. When you say jump, we say how high?

That said, we all love to speculate and dream about powder days ahead, with the seasonal forecast. And I’ll have my ideas for you, next week.

Larry Schick--Meteorologist

Open Snow - NW