Tag: snow

Bogus Rocks & Cold is good !!

On By Ron AbramovichLeave a comment

Updated graph Jan 2 with Dec 30 Snow Depth measurement value of 58” for the long-term snow course at the Showcase Marker. This winter is off to the best start since 2011 and in the top 5 highest years since daily snow depth measurements start in 2000.

Compared to historic Jan 1 data, that starts in 1944, this year is tied for 5th for the most snow on the ground for the Jan 1 snow survey. Other high years were 1997, 1984, 1972,and 1952.

Storms are still expected but smaller in size compared to recent ones. Winter like temps finally arrive as cold temps dip into mid-West in mid-Jan.

Lots going on with the Polar Vortex stretching and pulling, and lots to learn about Greenland’s weather impacts on our weather. We know we are in for a colder ride between now and mid-Jan, especially in the Mid-west. Here are Judah’s thoughts for the 3rd week of Jan. Stay tuned as lots gong on 3rd week of Jan along with my birthday !

“So, during the third week of January this will result in a transition to milder weather in both Europe and the Eastern US with cold weather becoming more entrenched in the Western US.  But it also appears Siberia will turn colder at this time, so I don’t think winter weather in the Eastern US is done just yet like last winter.” http://www.judahcohen.org/

Mid-December Snow Update and Comparison to Analog Years

On By Ron AbramovichLeave a comment

Now with snow starting to accumulate in the mountains, let’s look at the start of this winter’s snowpack and compare it to the analog years we’ve been talking about. Here’s a recap of Pete Parsons, Oregon Dept of Ag, Seasonal Climate Forecast from November 21, 2024 Update.

Let’s have some fun and look at how this year’s snowpack is starting to accumulate and compare with the analog years 1967, 1993 and 2017. We’ll look for similar snow accumulations patterns and as we progress deeper into winter, we’ll see if one year stands out more than the others and use it to provide some insight about next summer’s river flows.

Dec11 2024 analog yearsDownload

A winter Atmospheric River in June !

On By Ron AbramovichLeave a comment

What an event it was that added much needed moisture to many Idaho rivers. Following is a statewide summary about the impacts of this early June Atmospheric River Event. This rain on snow event increased streamflow in many rivers across the state that will push recession flows out a bit.

Combining daily rainfall and snowmelt resulted in 2.5 to 3.0” of Total Runoff Available at a few SNOTEL sites. The cool May temps delayed snowmelt allowing snow to remain in higher elevations that provided a runoff boost with the falling rain. 

What a storm it was – who do you thank ? Those benefiting include fish, wildlife, river runners, salmon flows, hydropower production and more. The streamflow boost created another flow increase that will keep recession flows higher longer. However, some basins missed the positive impacts from this event. See the following analysis to see why some rivers benefited while others continued with their downward recession trend.

Benefits include assisting with final fill of some reservoirs, delayed irrigation water use that may even result in better reservoir carryover storage for next year. Impacts include challenges for those on rapid rising rivers especially for those adventuring on the MF Salmon River and experiencing the New Velvet Rapid up close.

june5-storm-summaryDownload

MF & Main Salmon Update

On By Ron AbramovichLeave a comment

Here’s an update based on current info. We’ll see later today and tomorrow how high these rivers peak. Here’s a link to previous post to project flow levels on your launch date for MF & Selway. Give it a try and see if still works after the peak has occurred. No cheating, wait for the peak… and play it safe. https://snowweatherandflow.blog/2022/06/19/mf-salmon-and-selway-rivers-recession-flow-estimation-tool-for-use-after-peak-flows-have-occurred-and-river-is-in-full-recession/

mf-salmon-update-3jun2024-2Download

Big Wood & Big Lost Snow2Flow

On By Ron AbramovichLeave a comment

It’s always nice to see what the rivers are doing where you are going or where you want to be. The recent cold spell put a damper on snowmelt when rivers were increasing and put a twist in the Snow2Flow relationships, but there’s still enough remaining snow to generate another increase if not the peak for the season. Stay tuned, and if you happen to see the Big Lost Shite Stallion, let me know !

wood-lost-23may2024Download

3 Rivers Lottery Snow2Flow Update

On By Ron AbramovichLeave a comment

Here’s an update for the MF, Main, Lochsa and Selway Rivers showing there’s enough remaining snow to generate another increase in flow the next few days. This may be the last week of cooler/wetter spring weather with forecasts hinting at warmer/nicer weather for June’s arrival. Keep an eye on the sky watching the weather, and your mouse on snow melt and river levels pages as we see how high the rivers rise from this pulse of water coming out of the mountains. Enjoy & be safe !

snow2flow-update-22may2024Download