Expect this trend to continue

And so now we turn to the “area forecast discussion” from the National Weather Service, desperate and thirsty for news of precipitation. Ah, we seize on the news that “a chance of light snow will persist over the eastern mountains as the deformation zone passes,” but no, alas, it is countered by the fact that “skies have already begun to clear from the west…and (we, they) expect this trend to continue.” So we're in for two more days, at least, of mild and dry conditions from the latest ridge of high pressure wafting eastward above us. It is true that a weak “upper level disturbance” will bring a brief period of high clouds to our sacred lands but “otherwise mostly clear skies (are) expected.”

We're crushed, basically, but we quickly take solace in seeing that a “series of pacific waves” will soon be moving across the forecast area. But then we find that “clouds are expected with no precipitation.” Oh, harsh. That’s like friends showing up to a BYOB bar-b-que with no “B.” But, wait. Hope springs again in the forecast: “Precip should be fairly light at first but will increase Monday night through Tuesday…” That’s very hopeful. Precip will increase!!! But it is too early to tell, really, reflects the doubtful author of the weather forecast.

And then, one last kernel of hope is dropped in front of us: “It appears that one of these shortwaves will be strong enough to scour out valley inversions but at this point its hard to tell which will be strong enough,” says the weather wizard at the National Weather Service.

Mild and dry again for a bit, then, with a slight chance of snow next week. Sigh.

Heard tell today from a certain loyalist that the skier’s left of Jackpot was still worth a second lap but much of the mountain is very fast. And there is word that Highlands is still holding up well. So, it is a time for inner calm and patience. It...will...snow.