Snow in the Wasatch of Utah

The fallish type storm moved through northern Utah today producing the first snow of the season on the very tops of the Wasatch - Hidden Peak (11,000 feet) at Snowbird Ski Resort.

Climate of San Diego

San Diego predominately has a semi-arid steppe climate (Koppen climate classification) with mild, sunny weather throughout the year. It is said that San Diego has the best year-around climate in the United States. Average monthly temperature are high/low: Jan 65/48, Feb 66/50, Mar 66/52, Apr 68/55, May 69/58, Jun 71/61, Jul 76/65, Aug 78/67, Sep 77/65, Oct 75/60, Nov 70/54 and Dec 66/49. Snow and freezing temperatures are virtually nonexistent in the wintertime, only occurring in inland valleys and not along the coast. Average water temperatures range from 57 degrees in December to 69 degrees in August. The warmest water is usually found in the small coves in La Jolla where it can be around 72 degrees in August and early September.

The average annual precipitation is less than 12 inches, resulting in a borderline arid climate. Rainfall is concentrated in the colder half of the year, particularly the months of December through March (January being the wettest with an average of 2.11 inches), although precipitation is lower than any other part of the west coast. Summer months are virtually rainless. Many times when it rains in the San Diego is for only a few days but can be heavy and some flooding occurs. Thunderstorms are rare with moisture from a weakening tropical storm or hurricane off the Baja Coast moves north into the area.

“May gray and June gloom”, a local saying, refers to the way in which San Diego sometimes has trouble shaking off the marine layer, a cloudy layer typically higher in the atmosphere than fog, that comes in during those months. Temperatures soar to very high readings only on rare occasions, chiefly when easterly winds bring hot, dry air front the inland deserts to the coast that are call “Santa Anas.” The “sea breezes” off the Pacific Ocean are Mother Nature’s air conditioner.

El Nino (ocean waters warmer than normal) and La Nina (ocean waters colder than normal) in the central Pacific Ocean influence storm track of winter storms. El Nino supports a southern latitude storm track and La Nina a northern-latitude storm track. Fortunately, southern California (San Diego) is in the southern-latitudes which makes a long range weather forecast somewhat easier to predict. If the El Nino waters are much warmer than normal, the southern-storm track can be very active with one storm after another for a week to 10 days. The surf is extremely high when this occurs with strong rip currents.

3-day weather forecast for Sun Valley/Ketchum

Discussion: A short of tropical moisture will be prefrontal as a cold front speeds through southern Idaho.

Today.. Partly cloudy. Highs in the mid 70s and lows near 40.

Weekend.. Partly cloudy with a 30-40% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Winds mostly 10-15 mph with higher gusts near showers. Highs on Saturday will be 65-70 and much cooler on Sunday with highs only near 60. Lows 35-40.

3-day weather forecast for Vail/Beaver Creek

Discussion: Tropical moisture will be moving into the area over the weekend.

Today..Partly cloudy with a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs in the upper 60s and lows in the mid 40s.

Weekend.. Partly cloudy with a 50-60% chance of showers and thunderstorms. Highs 60-65 and lows in the 40s. Winds 10-20 mph except gusty near showers.

3-day weather forecast for ParkCity/Deer Valley

Discussion: Tropical moisture has invaded the state ahead of a fallish type of cold front. Drier air will spread into northern Utah on Sunday.

Today thru Saturday.. Partly cloudy with a 40% chance scattered showers and thunderstorms. Winds mainly 20-30 mph with some higher gusts associated with the showers. Highs around 80 and lows 50-55.

Sunday..Remaining partly cloudy and cooler with only a few showers and thunderstorms. Winds 10-20 mph. Highs in the mid 70s and lows in the mid 40s.

Snow Making at the Canyons

Introducing the new 20 million gallon mid-mountain reservoir, giving The Canyons twice the snowmaking capability! This is one of the many improvement for the upcoming 2010-2011.

Park City adds Snowmaking and Nights are Brighter

Park City Mountain Resort is adding snowmaking on the lower mountain and brighter lights for more night skiing terrain, among other improvements this year. The resort is introducing three "Adventure Alley" runs for skiing thrills through tree stands. Three more snowcats will help the resort groom up to 50 ski runs every day.

The resort says it's spending $4.5 million on improvements - and saving on more efficient lighting. The lights will shine brighter at a lower wattage and allow the resort to expand skiing on more terrain for longer into the night. The new bulbs will cut electricity use by nearly 140,000 kilowatt-hours a season. Park City also is adding conveyor belt lifts at a nearby tubing hill off Interstate 80 called Gorgoza Park.

Sun Valley and Ketchum area 3-day weather forecast

Discussion: A dry air mass is over southern Idaho.

Forecast.. Sunny days and clear nights through Sunday. Mild temperatures with highs 73-78 and lows near 40.

3-day forecast for Vail & Beaver Creek

Discussion.. A mostly dry air mass is over the area but some monsoon moisture will return by Sunday.

Forecast.. Fair today and Saturday.. partly cloudy Sunday with a 20% chance of an afternoon shower or thunderstorm. Temperature remaining cool. Highs 60-65 and lows near 40.

3-day forecast for Park City/Deer Valley

Discussion: A dry air mass encompasses northern Utah.

Forecast.. Sunny days and cool nights with only a few afternoon clouds possible on Sunday. High temperatures on Friday with be in the lower 80s.. Saturday mid 80s and Sunday upper 80s. Lows 40-45.

La Nina Update as of August 2010

Discussion..La Nina conditions are expected to strengthen and last through the Northern Hemisphere winter 2010-2011.

During July2010 La Nina conditions developed, as negative sea surface temperature anomalies strengthened across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. Nearly all models predict La Nina to continue through early 2011. However , there is disagreement among the models over the eventual strength of La Nina. Most dynamical models generally predict a moderate-to-strong La Nina, while the majority of the statistical model forecasts indicate a weaker episode.

If this La Nina becomes a moderate to strong event, this would support a more northern storm track for the upcoming winter 2010-2011.

Will update the progress of this La Nina each month.

Overview of the Climate of Moab

Moab is in the nestled in the Red Rock Country of eastern Utah. The weather is not excessively hot in the summer and only moderately cold in the winter. Average temperatures in late spring into early summer are (high/low): May 82,50, Jun 93/58, Jul 98/65, Aug 96/63, Sep 88/53, and Oct 75/41. Snow does fall during mostly the winter months with an average of 30-35 inches. This the somewhat warmer daytime temperature the snow usual melts in just a few days. Late fall into early spring temperature average: Nov 57/30, Dec 45/21. Jan 42/19, Feb 51/25, Mar 61/33 and Apr 71/42. The monsoonal season is July through about Labor Day when tropical moisture moves northward from Arizona into eastern Utah. The scattered showers and thunderstorms are mainly in the afternoon and evenings. Some produce very heavy rainfall in a short period of time which creates the potential of flash flooding in the dry washes and slot canyons. If you can hear thunder, lightning is nearby and take proper protection.

White-water Rafting is a great recreational activity on the Colorado or Green River. The rivers normally peak in late May into June with the highest flows with rafting that time of the year a great experience.

El Nino (ocean waters warmer than normal) and La Nina (ocean waters colder than normal) in the central Pacific Ocean influence storm track of winter storms. El Nino supports a southern latitude storm track and La Nina a northern-latitude storm track. Fortunately, east Utah is on the northern fringe of the southern storm track. The Book Cliffs that are north of Moab also assist in the “orographic” lift which enhances the precipitation. Therefore, a long range forecast with an El Nino conditions in the Pacific makes for a somewhat easier long range forecast.

Overview of the Climate of Park City/Deer Valley

Utah is know for its “powder” skiing which classifies Utah as having “The Greatest Snow on Earth”. Three World Renown ski resorts are just with a few minutes from each other - Park City, Deer Valley and The Canyons. The average snowfall is 330 inches with the snowfall the greatest in January (64 inches) and December close behind (62 inches). Temperatures averages are (high/low): Nov 43/21, Dec 35/15, Jan 31/11, Feb 35/14, Mar 40/19 and Apr 52/24. Late spring into early fall are beautiful in the Wasatch Mountains as the tress come out in the spring, summers are mild with cool nights and in the fall, leaves are very colorful with the reds/oranges/yellows. Temperatures averages are: May 64/37, Jun 75/43, Jul 83/51, Aug 80/49, Sep 71/41 and Oct 58/32. Showers and thunderstorms are most likely in the July and August and mainly in the afternoons and evenings. The summer heat is dry with low humidity but when the southern moisture is around it becomes somewhat more humid.

Storms that effect Utah have their origin in the northern Pacific Ocean. As these storms move southeastward across the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Mountains, they lose a lot of their moisture. When they hit the high Wasatch Mountains, “orographic lifting” (or the forced rising of air) squeezes out much of the remaining moisture. The secret of Utah’s unique and wonderful “powder” is the structure of its individual snow crystals. Under cold, relatively dry conditions, light crystals-type snowflakes (called “dendrites) are produced. These snowflakes are thin and symmetrical in shape (like those seen on ski industry logos) and they float slowly down through the cold atmosphere, accumulating like “fluffy down” or “powder” on Utah’s mountains. The monthly averages are: Nov 46”, Dec 62”, Jan 64”, Feb 54”, Mar 58” and Apr 46”. The coldest month of the winter-season is January with an average temperature of 31/11.

El Nino (ocean waters warmer than normal) and La Nina (ocean waters colder than normal) in the central Pacific Ocean influence storm track of winter storms. El Nino supports a southern latitude storm track and La Nina a northern-latitude storm track. Unfortunately, northern Utah is in the mid-latitudes which makes a long range weather forecast more difficult to predict. Some skiers feel the depth of the snow is important and but more importantly is the frequency of storms to keep the snow fresh. A storm every 5-7 days is an ideal scenario. However, during an active storm pattern several feet of snow can accumulate in just a short period of time.

The Wasatch Mountains are prone to avalanches. However, the ski resorts perform avalanche control early in the morning which ensures that the slopes safe for skiing during the day. If you venture into the back-country staying on flat terrain or on slopes that are not too steep (15 degrees or less).

Overview of the Climate of Sun Valley

The Sawtooth Mountains are home to Bald Mountain which is called “Baldly” in the Sun Valley-Ketchum Area. The average snowfall is 225 inches with the snowfall the greatest in December and January with an average of 45 inches each month. Temperatures averages are (high/low): Nov 44/14, Dec 32/10, Jan 30/10, Feb 36/12, Mar 40/15 and Apr 52/22. Late spring into early fall are beautiful in the Sawtooth Mountains as the tress come out in the spring, summers are mild with cool nights and in the fall, leaves are very colorful with the reds/oranges/yellows. Temperatures averages are: May 64/29,
Jun 71/35, Jul 83/38, Aug 82/37, Sep 72/30 and Oct 61/23. Showers and thunderstorms are most likely in the July and August and mainly in the afternoons and evenings. The summer heat is dry with low humidity but when the southern moisture is around it becomes somewhat more humid.

El Nino (ocean waters warmer than normal) and La Nina (ocean waters colder than normal) in the central Pacific Ocean influence storm track of winter storms. El Nino supports a southern latitude storm track and La Nina a northern-latitude storm track. Fortunately, southern Idaho is in the northern-latitudes which makes a long range weather forecast somewhat easier to predict.

Some skiers feel the depth of the snow is important and but more importantly is the frequency of storms to keep the snow fresh. A storm every 5-7 days is an ideal scenario. However, during an active storm pattern several feet of snow can accumulate in just a short period of time. On occasion, arctic air from Canada enters from Montana and pours down the Snake River Valley into the Sun Valley area.

The Sawtooth Mountains are prone to avalanches. However, the ski resorts perform avalanche control early in the morning which ensures that the slopes safe for skiing during the day. If you venture into the back-country staying on flat terrain or on slopes that are not too steep (15 degrees or less).

Overview of the Climate of Vail

Vail and Beaver Creek ski resorts are nestled in Eagle Valley of the Rocky Mountains and just near the Continental Divide. This area has been noted for many years and some of best skiing in Colorado with Vail receiving 348 inches of annual snowfall and Beaver Creek 310 inches. The snowiest two months are December and January with 65 inches of snow on the average each month. Temperatures averages are (high/low): Nov 37/15, Dec 28/10, Jan 31/9, Feb 34/12, Mar 42/17 and Apr 48/24. Late spring into early fall are beautiful in the Rockies of Colorado as the tress come out in the spring, summers are mild with cool nights and in the fall, leaves are very colorful with the reds, oranges and yellows. Temperatures averages are: May 61/31, Jun 72/35, Jul 78/41, Aug 76/40, Sep 68/33 and Oct 55/25. Showers and thunderstorms are most likely in the July and August and mainly in the afternoons and evenings. The summer heat is dry with low humidity but when the southern moisture is around it becomes somewhat more humid.

El Nino (ocean waters warmer than normal) and La Nina (ocean waters colder than normal) in the central Pacific Ocean influence storm track of winter storms. El Nino supports a southern latitude storm track and La Nina a northern-latitude storm track. Fortunately, Vail and Beaver Creek are in the southern latitudes which makes a long range weather forecast somewhat easier to predict. Some skiers feel the depth of the snow is important and but more importantly is the frequency of storms to keep the snow fresh. A storm every 5-7 days is an ideal scenario. However, during an active storm pattern several feet of snow can accumulate in just a short period of time.

The Rocky Mountains are prone to avalanches. However, the ski resorts perform avalanche control early in the morning which ensures that the slopes safe for skiing during the day. If you venture into the back-country staying on flat terrain or on slopes that are not too steep (15 degrees or less).

Overview of the Climate of Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains of California on the shores of Lake Tahoe. Average annual snowfall is 360 inches with the snowiest months being December and January. Temperatures averages are (high/low): Nov 52/23, Dec 45/18, Jan 43/16, Feb 46/20, Mar 51/24 and Apr 58/28. Lake spring into early fall are the warmest months with average temperatures: May 67/34, Jun 76/40, Jul 85/45, Aug 83/43, Sep 77/36 and Oct 66/29. A few showers and thunderstorms can occur in the months from July until about Labor Day when tropical moisture moves up from Arizona.

El Nino (ocean waters warmer than normal) and La Nina (ocean waters colder than normal) in the central Pacific Ocean influence storm track of winter storms. El Nino supports a southern latitude storm track and La Nina a northern-latitude storm track. Fortunately, central California is on the northern tier of the southern storm track which makes a long range weather forecast somewhat easier to predict.

The snow that falls in the Sierra Nevadas is rather unique. Storms coming in from in the Pacific Ocean especially in the southern storm track are packed with moisture so the snow can contain a great deal of water. This heavy wet snow is been referred to as “Sierra Cement”. Some skiers feel the depth of the snow is important but more importantly is the frequency of storms to keep the snow fresh. A storm every 5-7 days is an ideal scenario. However, during an active storm pattern several feet of snow can accumulate in just a short period of time.

The Sierra Mountains are prone to avalanches, especially after a active storm period. However, the ski resorts perform avalanche control early in the morning which ensures that the slopes safe for skiing during the day. If you venture into the back-country staying on flat terrain or on slopes that are not too steep (15 degrees or less).

Weekend Forecast for Sun Valley & Ketchum

Discussion.. Tropical moisture still encompasses southern Idaho but a drier westerly flow is expected by Sunday.

Today and Saturday.. Partly cloudy with a 20-30% chance of mainly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Highs today in the mid 80s and Saturday near 80. Lows in the mid 50s.

Sunday.. Just partly cloudy. Highs in the lower 80s and low in the mid 50s.

Weather Forecast into the weekend for Vail and Beaver Creek

Discussion.. Monsoonal flow of tropical moisture from Arizona will continue into the weekend.

Today into the weekend.. Partly cloudy with a 40-50% chance of scattered mainly afternoon and evening showers and thunderstorms. Continued cool with highs only near 60. Lows 40-45.

Weekend Weather in Park City & Deer Valley

Discussion: Monsoonal flow is drying as the flow aloft becomes more westerly.

Today and tonight.. Partly cloudy with an isolated afternoon or evening shower or thunderstorm.
Highs around 90. Low in the mid 50s.

Weekend.. Fair to partly cloudy with highs in the mid 80s. Lows near 50. Breezy winds 10-20 mph in the afternoons.