Avalanche Forecast Poems 2009-10

 

November 26, 2009

 

[Blasting ahead in an El Nino fall, it’s hard to believe we have snow at all.]

 

As we merrily head into an El Nino season,

recent snows have been given for a very good reason.

 

It’s given smiles and delight amid global warming,

thinking ahead to the next epic storming.

 

But the Nino’s just resting & getting ready for winter,

giving us rain so our snow grains can sinter.

 

As recent slabs and powder fade into the past,

we really didn’t expect this gift to last.

 

Though the models ahead show split flows and ridges,

which should keep rivers below most of our bridges.

 

We will have more snow—have no doubt,

but less than normal with a snowpack less stout.

 

Just watch out for flows that bring clearing and cold,

and form facets and hoarfrost that glitter like gold.

 

Know that each winter’s unique and needs your attention,

and this is always worthy of mention.

 

 

December 12, 2009

 

The recent bout of cold, our snowpack did mold—

Into a structure unique, layers and bonds so weak.

A little dusting today, a little more on the morrow—

Will bury hoar and facets, with no strength to borrow.

The stage will be set, for next week’s storming—

Increasing the danger, probable avalanche warning.

Remote triggers and cracking, sensitive slabs not lacking—

No time to be foolish, less you like to be ghoulish.

 

 

December 17, 2009

 

Ah distinctly I remember, it was in mid-December—

First a week of brutal cold, then westerly flow did take hold.

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After facets had long tarried, their fragileness now lay buried—

With winds strong and rather bleak, lee slope danger soon to peak—

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Now is time for rain or snow, to release the danger before you go.

Stay at home and enjoy the cheer, far away from avalanche fear.

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 Staying at home and wrapping presents, keeps you from the avalanche presence.

Now’s the time to let the rain, release the danger sans your pain.

 

 

December 23, 2009

 

Only days before Santa arrives on his sleigh,

with northerly flow to help on his way.

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Big ridge until after gifts are unwrapped—

with cold moisture below soon to be trapped.

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At least some new snow lies over a crust—

and reports indicate that it’s not bad dust.

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Still use caution where winds have been—

to overlook any slabs is a cardinal sin.

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While warm sun up high will make spirits soar,

clear skies also make for facets and hoar.

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Keep checking the snowpack there's always a reason,

and have a safe holiday season.

 

 

December 24, 2009

 

Mere days before Christmas, shopping all done—

Time to head to the mountains, Time to have some fun.

 

But best be aware, that the clock is ticking—

As the facets are stressed, beneath those steps that you’re kicking.

 

Recent snows added load, that could do harm—

Cause the snowpack’s a zoo, a veritable facet farm.

 

So step back a bit, and take a long breath—

Check out the stability and ensure your long health.

 

 

January 28, 2010

 

El Nino, late January, another splitting trough,

if this is a train, you’d like to get off.

 

Southerly flow aloft brings north warm air,

ahead of a front that has little to share.

 

The front’s getting sick just off the coast,

stretching south to give California the most.

 

Hard to forecast, harder yet to endure,

unfortunately for us, there is no cure.

 

Warmer and cloudy today, isolated showers;

cooling tomorrow, light snow mainly later hours.

 

Saturday decreases the light snow or rain,

preventing the snowpack from any big gain.

 

Decreasing showers Sunday and maybe some blue,

move in behind the trough with the flu.

 

 

February 18, 2010

 

Unfortunately there are no storms that we’re tracking,

That will anytime soon give us snow that we’re lacking.

 

Just a narrow blocking ridge along the coast,

That should close off and leave us dry as toast.

 

Mostly sunny with cooling for the rest of the week,

Any outlook for storminess looks pretty bleak.

 

The weather of note should be winds from the east,

That will keep snow surfaces a rather crusty beast.

 

Wind sheltered south aspects might warm up a tad,

But not enough to make the danger too bad.

 

All in all, the Nino and split flows remain—

With California likely to get most of our rain.

 

 

Early April, 2010

 

April Song

 

So much for spring, it seems like a dream—

Out in the mountains, you know what I mean.

 

The cold, biting wind and snow are conspiring,

To make this forecasting a bit tedious and tiring.

 

While powder in April can be radical and delicious—

Sun breaks can rapidly turn pow rather malicious.

 

So just because you can, doesn’t mean you should—

While you’re out there in the fluff, awareness can be good.

For light and lovely quickly morph, and become a messy goo—

And if you’re not careful at this time, the slide involves you.

 

So embrace the new snow wholly and enjoy it to the max,

But know the danger and the consequence, and their impact.

 

 Monday should be showery and cold and windy too,

Much the same on Tuesday, a veritable late winter zoo.

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