Global vs. Mesoscale Weather Forecasting Models—How Do They Differ? Weather models the best tools we have for peering into the future of the atmosphere, but not all models are the same. When forecasters talk about global and mesoscale weather models, what exactly are they referring to? Global Models Global weather models are exactly what they sound like. They look at the big picture, covering the entire planet. These models […] Weather Clay Malott | November 20, 2024 0 Comments
Top 9 Superstitious Rituals to Bring More Snow When it comes to skiing and snowboarding, the more snow the better. Whether you are waiting for enough snow to start the season or looking for a mid-winter powder day, there are some rituals some swear can bring on the flakes. For generations, people have turned to quirky superstitions and fun rituals, believing they hold the power to summon snow and […] Brains Brent Thomas | November 14, 2024 1 Comment
Brain Post: Temperature Inversions—Nature’s Double-Edged Sword Nature’s Temperature Trick A cold, clear winter morning: the world seems frozen in place. The valley below lies blanketed in frost, with fog pooling in the low spots, almost as if nature pressed pause overnight. This scene isn’t just picturesque; it’s the result of a fascinating atmospheric phenomenon known as a temperature inversion. Typically, warm air sits closer to the […] Weather Clay Malott | November 14, 2024 0 Comments
The Secret Ingredient to a Perfect Powder Day: Snow Liquid Ratio Some powder days feel like magic—light, airy snow that you can ski through like it’s barely there. Other days, it’s like skiing through oatmeal: heavy, dense, a workout in every turn. There’s a reason for this, and it’s not just luck or a specific mountain range. It all comes down to the Snow Liquid Ratio, a metric that’s as important […] Weather Clay Malott | November 13, 2024 0 Comments
9 Ski Resorts That Offer Adjacent Cat Skiing in the U.S. For those looking for untouched powder and a remote backcountry experience, it is hard to beat cat skiing. As a cheaper alternative to heli-skiing, it gives guests the thrill of exploring endless terrain without the crowds or lift lines of resort skiing. Conveniently, some resorts offer a cat skiing operation attached to the ski area so guests can experience the […] Brains Brent Thomas | November 13, 2024 0 Comments
The History Behind the World’s First and Only Tandem Front Flip on Skis Freestyle skiing has cemented itself as an electrifying sport that pushes the boundaries of what many thought was even possible on the slopes. Born from a spirit of rebellion and a desire to break free from the rigid confines of traditional alpine skiing, it has undergone a remarkable transformation over the years. It has evolved from a counterculture movement to […] Brains Brent Thomas | November 13, 2024 0 Comments
Brain Post: Atmospheric Rivers—Nature’s Moisture Conveyor Belt A powerful force flows invisibly over the Pacific—a conveyor belt of moisture that meteorologists call an atmospheric river (or AR for short). These moisture bands transport enormous quantities of water vapor, crucial for precipitation—and snowfall—along the West Coast. Atmospheric rivers funnel this moisture from the tropics, like a fire hose aimed at western North America. When they land, they often […] Weather Clay Malott | November 12, 2024 0 Comments
Brain Post: Why are Weather Models So Bad When it Comes to Snow? Have you ever thought about why forecasting snowfall is so difficult? Why can we seemingly ace temperature forecasts days in advance but can’t even nail down a snowfall forecast the night before a storm? The Butterfly Effect Snowfall is a puzzle in the forecasting world, with every piece tangled in complex atmospheric dynamics, chaotic patterns, and ever-shifting terrain influences. Predicting […] Weather Clay Malott | November 11, 2024 0 Comments
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