Wow…how about that last storm, eh? It’s pretty rare that you expect 6″ and get a lot more than that (right ladies?). My previous forecast said “I hope this storm can dance…”, and dance it did. I’ll throw up an analogy that this was the Michael Jackson of storms (moonwalk here!): The storm danced so well that we were in awe, but then it left and now we have NOTHING. Yes, nothing. Was that an OK analogy? Too soon?
If you think it’s too soon to use a Michael Jackson analogy, check out (Dr.) Jesse Hill sporting Billy Mays at The Snoball (www.sno-ball.org). By the way, The Snoball was a rocking success, with over 125 people packing the b.side lounge while raising $3,331.35 for the Colorado Ovarian Cancer Alliance. Don’t worry – The Snoball will be back next year, and yes – I expect you to be there:-)
The Forecast
October was such a tease, just like that girl who looked at me for 3 seconds from across the Salad Bar at Whole Foods. Enjoying the warm, sunny weather after MJ’s storm? Well, that’s the blessing and curse of Colorado. We rarely get more than 4-6 weeks of stormy weather, but on the plus side the nice days/weeks are reaaaaaaally nice. So embrace the warmth and sun, because it’s here to stay for a while longer.
A very weak storm will move over the state on Sunday, bringing some snow flurries to as much as a few inches to the higher mountains around and especially north of I-70. This storm isn’t much to talk about, but it will bring in clouds to the plains and areas east of the divide on Sunday night into Monday. Temperatures will cool a bit on Sunday, but next week will be sunny, warm, and dry until a storm could change things by Wednesday night. This Wednesday storm doesn’t look massive, but it will be more potent than Sunday’s puny little disturbance.
Ah, think of it this way…better that it’s dry and warm now instead of January, when we really want the pow. Of course in an El Nino year, the middle of the winter is usually rather dry for most of the state, but we’ll look into this issue later. For now, use sunscreen, conserve your skiing stoke, and get out early because the sun sets before most of us get out of work.
Snow Totals from Michael Jackson’s Storm
Last week, much of Colorado saw over 12″ of snow, with the highest amount coming in as expected north of I-70 in the foothills (click for a google map of the snow totals). A whooping 46″ of snow fell near Pinecliffe, at about 9,000ft. Wolf Creek picked up about 20″ just a few days before they opened for the season, and really the only “losers” were locations that experience a downslope wind when the breeze is from the east. Eastern areas of the Fairplay and Buena Vista valleys were basically in a “snow shadow” as the easterly winds descended, warmed, and dried. On the opposite side of the valleys, 12-20″ of snow fell. What a difference a couple miles makes. And by the way, it seems crazy that this discrepancy in snowfall could happen, but I assure you that Global Warming had nothing to do with it.
Perhaps the Michael Jackson of storms was really just put there by the good folks pushing Breast Cancer Awareness month. Not only did they take over the NFL (how about that for some big time marketing? nice work!), but they took over the weather maps as well. The whole map is pink! Damn…these folks are good! (pink = winter storm warning)
Some success for The Colorado Powder Forecast
Thanks to your feedback and readership (seriously – thanks!), I’m working to enhance this email experience with a full website and automated email list where you can subscribe, unsubscribe, and spread the good word of the Colorado Powder Forecast. Check out www.ColoradoPowderForecast.com for more…it’s a work in progress.
On the “Mentions” tab, I’m honored to say that ESPN Freeskiing (via Tim Mutrie) featured my email from last week on their website, and Ted Mahon down in Aspen also wrote about the CPF on his excellent blog Stuck in the Rockies. It is DEFINITELY worth heading to Ted’s blog and throwing your email address in the form on the lower left. Ted and his new wife Christy live their life as one big outdoor adventure, and Ted’s excellent writing and photography bring these adventures to your screen in a fun, few-minute read each week.
Parting Shot
Truckers often violate the chain law in Colorado because chains are a pain to put on, and being on the roadside for 45 minutes affixing the chains puts truckers at big risk of being hit. Well, I’m happy to say that Colorado just announced that we are allowing truckers to use condoms – instead of chains – on their tires. For those truckers not equipped with chains or the tire condom, they can still use the pull-out method to keep the road safe (by pulling off the road and waiting out the storm).
http://www.estevezsport.com/tienda/img/129.jpg
This email has been full of innuendo, which is what happens when the snow stops falling and I need material. Stay tuned next week for what will mostly likely be another innuendo-filled email. Up next? The problems faced by a nice little river west of Fort Collins…
JOEL
I love you Michael!….
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