RSS
Headline RSS FeedTime to get the bikes and clubs out?
March 12, 2010 —
A potentially good-looking storm pattern left most Colorado resorts craving more. Another bust.
Very light totals were recorded in the last 72 hours as Copper Mountain, Winter Park and Monarch all made out with around 10 inches. Vail and Beaver Creek rang in a measly 3 inches total, and with high pressure ridging in from the west, sunscreen instead of powder straps will be the norm.
Today, (Friday, March 12) abundant sunshine will raise temps well into the 30s on mountain with down-valley temps pushing the high 40s.
These temps will remain for Saturday, March 13, as cloudy skies will move in Sunday and we'll see another shot for snow. Winds will increase Sunday with the upcoming system, but they will be mild for much of the weekend.
Vail and Beaver Creek could see light totals, again around two to four inches.
As of now, it looks like this next system will impact the southwest, bringing snow to areas like Wolf Creek, Silverton, and Taos. Again, a typical pattern of an above average El Niņo season.
For the northern resorts, it's time to get the bikes and clubs ready, as we may not see significant snow until early April. We'll keep our fingers crossed.
Enjoy!
Submit a comment on "Time to get the bikes and clubs out?"
Increased winds from Northwest could bring bigger snow totals in Friday storm
March 9, 2010 —
It was a surprisingly good morning in the Vail Valley as unpredicted snowfall graced the mountains of Colorado with higher than expected snow totals.
Vail saw 4 inches this morning (Tuesday, March 9) and The Beav' reported 6. We have an active week ahead of us as numerous disturbances will move through the Western Slope over the next few days.
We had above average temps today as highs in the lower valleys were well into the 40s, and on-mountain temps rose into the 30s. This will be short lived as clouds will develop by this evening, with moderate snow showers likely by mid-day Wednesday March, 10.
Snow will continue through Wednesday, accumulating in the 2-4 inch range by nightfall. We should see a break in the action Wednesday night, as another deeper and stronger trough of pressure moves in by Thursday evening. Expect on-mountain temps in the low 20s with west winds in the 15-20 mph range. By Friday morning (March, 12) we could see big totals as orographics look favorable with good moisture and plenty of energy.
I'm forecasting low totals for now (4-8 inches) by Friday, however, if winds increase from the northwest we could see some big totals overall (8-14 by Friday). Finally some good news for the central and northern mountains as patient snow-riders may get what is coming to them. Keep close tabs here as I will update this blog via the comments box.
Enjoy!!
1 Comment on "Increased winds from Northwest could bring bigger snow totals in Friday storm"
Powder Predictor — March 11, 2010
What a bummer, suppose we shouldn't expect anything more than what we've seen for 3 months, hope for 5 inches total.....bring on spring...I guess. Reid
El Niņo trends likely to continue, but snow is on the way
March 5, 2010 —
First, I would like to thank the staff at Plum TV in Aspen and their show "Top of the Mountain," for having me on set this morning. it was a blast and well worth the early morning drive. It’s nice to see the fruits of your labor being squeezed.
We were soured again in Colorado, as a potentially compact and strong storm was shredded by the Wasatch mountains of Utah. Most resorts in Utah saw well over a foot this morning, with Brighton harvesting 20 inches.
As for Colorado, Steamboat led all resorts with a mere four inches; however, we do have a shot of snow beginning late Sunday, March 7, as another low stomps into the region.
This next storm looks to favor the southwest (again), although dynamics look good enough that all resorts should see at least some accumulating snowfall by Monday morning, March 8.
Saturday, March 6, looks like a bluebird day as temps will be mild ahead of the next storm. Look for on-mountain temps for Saturday to be in the low 30s as southwest winds will bring in warmer air with abundant sunshine. Winds will be mild for most of the weekend, but will increase Sunday night into Monday.
Look for Monday morning snow totals to range from 3-6 inches, favoring the Beav'. Again, another typical El Niņo storm as Silverton, Telluride and Taos look to get double-digit snow, with the Front Range also being impacted.
Don't fret friends. March will produce at least one big powder day, and April always seems to surprise us with some snowy cycles. For now, plant those seedlings that spring is almost here, and with it comes the fun neon colors of lemon, lime, and orange.
Enjoy!
Submit a comment on "El Niņo trends likely to continue, but snow is on the way"
Forecast models indicate Vail should have an active March and April
March 2, 2010 —
Spring-like weather in the Rockies has arrived with valley temps well in 40s and on-mountain temps in the 30s. As March foxtrots in with clear skies and high pressure building, only the naive will be duped into thinking that tank-tops and road bikes should be dusted off.
As March is normally our snowiest month, winter weather will be seen as soon as Thursday, March 4, as a weak disturbance will move through the Western Slope.
Southwest winds will bring in our next system during the day Thursday with snow showers increasing overnight. This system doesn't seem to have the gusto we're looking for, but the trajectory is favorable for the central and northern mountains.
Expect snow totals to be light (1-3 inches) with a slight chance of favorable dynamics to give some areas more than 5 inches.
Tis the season that temperatures will fluctuate dramatically as overnight lows can still reach the teens and single digits, with daytime temps reaching over 50 degrees on the valley floors.
Models do show that we could have a very active March and April, but for now, we'll just settle with warm temps, longer days, and even longer waits at the car wash.
Enjoy!
Submit a comment on "Forecast models indicate Vail should have an active March and April"
Next
