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Early February..

The pattern that we fell into in December is continuing, with that semi-persistent low pressure system just off the New England coast. This means more chances of snow (and rain, but especially snow) in the coming few weeks. This is more active than usual for January.

UPDATE: As of 1/20/11 - The pattern is similar to the map I posted below early in the winter, but has turned colder and more "progressive". This means additional frequent events, some light, some moderate, and some strong. While most of them will still be snow, the chances of rain or mix are still there especially along the coast as we head into February on the stronger ones.

I expect this season to be WAY above normal in snowfall when all is said and done.

UPDATE 2/1/11 - The pattern has grown progressively more intense, now with storms

riding up from the Gulf States at regular intervals. This pattern will last for a least 7 to 10 more days producing some historic snow-depths!

UPDATE 2/21/11

The pattern is changing again now.. this time a SW to NE Jet Stream across the U.S. is going to result in multiple storm events going into early March with very healthy rain and snow events. This is one active winter after short pause!

- Todd

Here's a look at that mid December Jet Stream for weather enthusiasts that exemplifies

the "mean trough position" that developed earlier in the month just offshore. It continues overall into

January as mentioned:

I have a nice example of the basics of making your own snow at homeat the website: http://snowmakingathome.com However, I have some more links for you...First, snowguns.com is a GREAT forum where you can get online help. The commercial site snowathome.com has some good links such as links to a snowmaking "Chart" showing the proper temperature and humidity needed.

 If you'd like to see a story I did on it at Channel 4 in Salt Lake City, go here:

http://www.adsensemiracles.com/says/youtubesnowmaking

and the link to the Boston Globe article is here:

http://adsensemiracles.com/says/makeitsnow

Snowmaking is rewarding, but tricky. The "quiet" snowmaking highlighted in the Globe is pushing regular household appliances beyond their normal call of duty. The basic idea is to mix compressed air and water with a small compressor and outputting the tiny snow crystals through a tiny nozzle. Then additional wateris throw into this plume of snow using a power washer, and again, a special nozzle.

If the air is dry enough , you can begin making snow when it is as warm as 33 degrees outside, but normaly it should be closer to the mid-20s. :)

Enjoy!

- Todd

Figuring out the Snowfall Amounts for Boston and Massachusetts after each storm has always been a challenge. Observations are sparse and often inaccurate.

An active 2010-2011 Winter is upon us. The Jet Stream has dived south, and there appears there will be no shortage of storms.

Annually, snowfall removal contractors pull their hair out trying to make heads and tales of how much snow has fallen "after-the-fact" for billing purposes. I continue to run a service called The Snow Force, which provides a much more accurate tally of how much has fallen town by town. I have never had so much interest in this service as this past season.

For more information, first take a look at SnowfallTotalsBoston.com and/or  Snowforce.info and then  email me