This year is a light El Nino year, or so I've heard. I remember an El Nino year several years back that had a split jet stream across the western US, where north and south of Colorado got great snowfall and we got nothing. This year, it appears that only the west coast (Tahoe) and the southwest (north to Crested Butte) are having a good winter. Actually, they're getting hammered (6 feet of snow for Tahoe in the last few days and 50" so far at Silverton and more on the way for both). We have received less than an inch on the Divide in the last 3 weeks. Yep, for the northern and central mountains of Colorado, and Utah I hear too, El Nino is giving us snake eyes. Nada. Shite. The upside is there is very little wind this year compared to last winter where it was driving us batty. It was truly unbelievable how windy it was. This year, it's nearly still, it's WEIRD.
So while Frank and T are shoveling themselves out of house and home down south in D-town, I'm considering taking the studs off Tank and starting to wonder if the trails may be rideable on the Hunter. The prediction from the weather-folk is that El Nino brings less frequent storms to this area, but more intense and productive storms when they come. I can't say I've noticed that yet but I'm keeping my fingers crossed! Margy's hut trip outside of Aspen in T-minus 18 days. With less than 24" of base at the Fowler/Hilliard Yurt last weekend...i hope it can only get better! (Post to come on the yurt trip soon.)
1 comment:
mother nature's pitching a shut out here in our mountains, as well. all that snow in the sierra's is usually for us. instead, we have clear, sunny days. even the rain is gone.
el nino is causing my 10th mountains to collect dust after a november of such promise.
hope it finds you soon.
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