I like the way that BA stated it in this mornings forecast. He noted that the iPhone Weather app has caught on to the idea of snow falling on Tuesday, verifying what he has been saying all along. Indeed it looks like there is a good likelihood that we see a decent shot of snow next Tuesday.
Between now and then – we will see a turnover from spring corn season to frozen chunder. If you love corn, be at Alpine Friday and Saturday, where temps into the 50’s with cold nights have been producing corn like crazy. We have heard excellent reports about South Face and Juniper Face this week. By Sunday and Monday, much colder temps will prevent off piste snow from softening – and we shall be at the mercy of the groomers, especially those equipped with tillers.
The storm for Tuesday is looking much better than any so far for 2013. We may double our snowfall for the year 2013. BA is calling for 12-18 inches at resort level and up to 2 feet at the crest. This GFS Precipitation forecast seems to verify those numbers:
After that, things look less certain. The PNA index is going negative, meaning that the high pressure ridge backs off and a low pressure trough falls into place. The moisture support is not fully there yet for any big storms. Some of the forecasts stall the MJO in the dry phases, while the GFS accelerates it all of the way back toward Phase 1 by the end of the month.
For those with a ski week vacation next week, things are looking good. For those with only a three day weekend ahead – you may want to consider extending it a day or two.