Hi Everyone!

I spent some time earlier today preparing the lab for the upcoming storm. Our precipitation gauges have been recharged with fluid and data has been downloaded to ensure that it isn't lost if the power goes out. We actually have to use plywood to cover some of the windows at the lab to ensure that deep snow doesn't shatter them, so it felt a bit like preparing for a hurricane as well!

Anyway, now that the rain and snow have started to the north and west of us, I wanted to do another forecast before the storm starts for this first Sunday-Tuesday storm. The Wednesday/Thursday storm will be addressed in later post(s). Keeping a close eye on the radar shows that we're starting to get some rain and snow showers over the region that should be impacting the summit soon.

Sunday to Tuesday Storm:

Timing: Snow on the summit is expected to start late Saturday night/early Sunday morning. Heavy snowfall rates up to 4-5 inches per hour will start Sunday evening and will continue through late Monday night. Snowfall rates will decrease during the morning on Tuesday with light snow showers continuing into the afternoon and stopping on Tuesday evening.

Accumulations: I'm focusing primarily on the summit and surrounding communities since that's where the lab is located, so these accumulations won't necessarily be accurate for lower elevations. Currently, we're looking at 65-85" of snowfall at the lab and surrounding areas with a few locally higher accumulations up to 95". I'm tending to think that we'll be on the higher side of the forecast, but there are still some variables that can pull the totals down a bit including increased temperatures that result in lower snow-to-liquid precipitation ratios. Of course, the highest snowfall totals will occur on Monday.

Hazards: The heavy snowfall rates and relatively high winds will make travel hazardous if not impossible with the risk of even the most capable vehicles becoming stuck in deep snow on the roads. In addition, heavy snow loads will contribute to potential tree and power line damage that could lead to prolonged power outages. While it's not recommended to travel at all once the snow has started, it's recommended that any travel is done tomorrow when lighter accumulations are occurring or on Tuesday once the snow has stopped. As mentioned in my forecast yesterday, I would recommend staying off the roads and, if you have to travel, have an emergency kit in your car similar to this one.

Not much left to do now other than keep warm and let the flakes start flying! As always, the CSSL website and social media accounts will be updated with snowfall totals and other information during the event.

BTW, I want to mention that the lab has an email list for these forecasts and general updates on lab happenings as well. Feel free to sign up here.

Hit the pow, have fun, and stay safe out there! This is a big one!

-Andrew