Weather Forecast

I checked the weather forecast late yesterday afternoon as the sky didn't agree with the prediction of clear. It then did clear up but when we awoke this morning we had received 5-6" of new snow. We get our forecast from Pueblo Nat'l Weather Service which is 110 miles away. Our forecast is based on our longitude and latitude so it should reflect our weather by location.

When I checked the forecast this morning there was a weather warning posted just as the storm abated. I could be accurate too if I posted a weather warning after the storm had passed. I then checked Accu Weather which is done in State College, Pa. and 1,800 miles away. They can generally tell us what time the storm will hit, what percent chance we have of snow and accurate wind forecast.

I wonder how it is that the U.S. Gov't with all its sophisticated equipment 110 miles away can't seem to get it even close and Accu Weather 1,800 miles away can give us pinpoint accuracy....

So far this winter we have had 184" of snow. This has been by far the worst winter we have experienced in 22 years. It has been colder so the snow hasn't compacted down like normal and the wind has blown harder - especially with the trees gone or nothing but sticks. That makes drifting a major problem and if that isn't enough the power company has alerted us of the likelihood of  mud/ash slides this spring that may generate extended power disruption.

It shouldn't have been necessary to warn us as if we just look to the top of the mountains it is apparent that heavy accumulation of snow is going to either melt and run down or break loose and travel down. With all the snow and lack of melting so far this spring may be an epic one for our area.

If it breaks loose and comes down as an avalanche it will destroy everything in its path and if it comes down as liquid it will do the same. I'm hoping for neither to happen and that it will melt slowly and evenly and do no further damage.