Just Where We Like It

THE EARLY COLDNESS

A Vortex Shift ?

your woolies ready ?

WALLPAPER: STORM BREWING AT THE DIVIDE

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.. It's not a coincidence that a strong polar vortex is associated with a La Niña year. When the polar vortex slips south, (usually January/February,) heavy cold invades the central continental United States.

THE PERFECT JET STREAM

.. This global phenomena bends the jet stream to just where we like it.
.. This allows the prevailing winds to pick up the gulf of Alaska moisture provided by the Japan Current.
.. This, of course delivers next year's stream flows to our mountains. We're all for that. 
.. BUT, and it's a big but: depending on the position of the slipping polar vortex, we can get some very cold air that mitigates against a heavy snow fall. We'll see!

NICE LOW HIGHS

.. Right now we're in an alternating temperature pattern that allows for good snowfall and some cold air to keep it around.
.. It's the mid day high's that currently determine the amount of melting that mid level snow packs experience.
.. And, it's the mid level snows that are responsible for Spring runoff and early season flows of our rivers.

LOCAL TEMPERATURE OSCILLATION

.. This, in the not too distant past, was our "normal" mid winter pattern. The neighbors still talk about the 3-day storms.
.. They arrive every three days and last for three days. We can only hope that that this pattern persists for the winter.

MID DAY MELT -4°F

.. Even at -4°F for mid day highs we can still get some melting with a bright sun and some exposed dark masses to absorb and radiate the warmth of our friendly sun.
.. As long as the winds don't come and as long as the sun doth shine we enjoy "sweater weather" days and fireplace nights.

THE RARE CLEAN BENCH

..By now most of the neighbors are busy cleaning the accumulated mess on the tying bench. They are hustling to dive into the winter levity of tying experimentation. Some have already started their orders for custom work. Tying 100 dozen flies in the winter is not our cup of tea. For some it's a lucrative joy.

A GOOD EVENING'S WORK

.. If this pattern holds there will be the rare salubrious day when the winds are still, the sun is out, the temperature climbs to 25°F, and the midges burst forth in gay abandon, Aha, the punctuated joy of winter fishing in the high country -- perhaps tomorrow.
.. Well then, it's 11:00 AM and the temperature has risen to -6°F, there is no wind and the sun is squinty bright. Before we put on our sweater we shall have a left over waffle for brunch - there's still some coffee and whipped cream left.

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WALLPAPER: THE MAPLE CASCADE