How has the Unites States done in terms of snow so far this winter? Is the nation above normal for snow? What about snow for the east coast? What about for the west coast? And what’s on the way for the rest of winter?
To find answers to some of these questions, WeatherNation meteorologist Marcus Walter spoke with Joel Gratz, a meteorologist, snow forecasting expert and Chief Executive Office of OpenSnow.com, a website focused on providing snow forecasts for skiers, ski resorts and snow lovers across the United States. Joel is himself a snow lover and an avid skier.
Data from the National Weather Service shows that through the end of February, cities like Salt Lake City, Utah and Denver, Colorado were anywhere from 10 to 15 inches below normal for snow. A few other cities in the West, like Missoula, Montana and Portland, Oregon, have been above normal. Missoula, in particular, has measured 50.4 inches of snow since July 1st, 2017, which is more than a foot (12.5 inches) above normal.
In the eastern United States, many cities are actually near to above normal for snowfall. New York City’s Central Park has measured 23.8 inches of snow since October 1st, 2017, which is about 2.8 inches above normal. Boston has also measured slightly above normal snowfall, 35.3 inches of snow since July 1st, 2017, about 1.6 inches above normal.
One city below normal is Albany, NY, in the Hudson Valley of New York state. The city has only measured 38.9 inches of snow since July 1st, 2017, which is down 7.6 inches.
As far as the rest of the winter is concerned for snow, for the western United States its looks good, but nothing is certain.
And for Colorado?
For skiing in the next week to two weeks, here is what Joel recommends.
For WeatherNation, I am Meteorologist Marcus Walter.
*Snow totals mentioned in this article go through February 28, 2018.