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
Brain Post: The Hidden Dangers of an Early Season Snowpack Have you ever wondered why avalanche forecasters get so worked up about early season snow? Those first few storms of the season might seem harmless enough, maybe just enough snow to cover the grass and get us dreaming about powder days ahead. But here’s the thing: these early season storms can set up the snowpack for instability that persists throughout […] Avalanche Clay Malott | November 7, 2024 1 Comment
The Science Behind Snow Crystal Formation As skiers, we spend countless hours chasing powder, but how much do we really know about those weird crystals that make our favorite sport possible? The science behind snow crystal formation isn’t just beautiful–it’s crucial for understanding everything from avalanche risk to why that last storm dropped such perfect powder. The Basics of Snow Crystal Formation Let’s start with the […] Weather Clay Malott | November 6, 2024 0 Comments
Wind Loading 101: Nature’s Avalanche Architect What is Wind Loading? Think of wind loading like nature’s own snow transportation system. Just as a conveyor belt moves packages from one place to another, the wind picks up snow from windward slopes (where the wind hits first) and deposits it on lee slopes (the sheltered side). But here’s the catch—this isn’t your light, fluffy pow we’re talking about. […] Weather Clay Malott | November 5, 2024 0 Comments
Machine Learning is Revolutionizing Weather Forecasting: Here’s What That Means for Your Ski Season Have you ever stood at the base of your favorite resort, watching clouds build over the peaks, and wondered if tomorrow will bring that forecasted powder day? Or maybe you’ve been planning a backcountry mission and found yourself doubting whether the predicted “bluebird conditions” will materialize. Well, the weather forecasting game is changing dramatically—and it’s all thanks to artificial intelligence. […] Weather Clay Malott | November 4, 2024 0 Comments
Where Do I Find the Snow? Using Meteorological Data to Find Fresh Powder Powder: the elusive holy grail of snowsports. Though it may seem hard to find, it isn’t if you know where to look. This article will outline the tools and knowledge you need to be a competent powder chaser. Note: techniques in this article are meant to be used within the patrolled ski area boundary. Backcountry use of these techniques may lead […] Brains Clay Malott | October 29, 2024 0 Comments
Why Are Snow Forecasts So Inaccurate? You go to bed, a smile on your face. The forecasts are calling for 10 inches this weekend. You fall asleep thinking about catching the first chair of the day, and the silky turns through knee-deep snow that will follow. Related: The Ski Area Snow Report: Fact or Fiction? However, upon waking up on Saturday, you check the resort website to […] Brains Clay Malott | August 9, 2024 0 Comments
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