{"id":1225,"date":"2025-10-23T16:04:28","date_gmt":"2025-10-23T16:04:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/riketstilstand.com\/?p=1225"},"modified":"2025-10-29T21:12:22","modified_gmt":"2025-10-29T21:12:22","slug":"the-8-ball-says-outlook-good","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/riketstilstand.com\/index.php\/2025\/10\/23\/the-8-ball-says-outlook-good\/","title":{"rendered":"The 8-Ball says, \u201cOutlook Good\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

In my extensive exploration of all things related to winter weather, as someone who depends on snow in the winter for both employment and recreation, I have noticed a recurring theme recently. I would like to take a moment to address that common concern and then provide some pieces of information to help get your winter spirits stirring.<\/p>\n

First, let\u2019s discuss the trepidation that the uncharacteristically dry end of summer and fall might result in insufficient water for snowmaking due to drought conditions. The short and sweet of it is –\u00a0fear not.<\/em>\u00a0As I write this, we\u2019ve just received nearly two inches of rain in a single day, and the local Lamoille River is flowing far more energetically than it was earlier in the week. Additionally, we\u2019re looking at multiple chances for more rainfall over the next ten days (and maybe even mountain snow flurries), suggesting that our extended dry spell might finally be coming to an end. Vermont\u2019s weather is famously unpredictable, but in my experience, it always finds a way to balance itself. The wet weather we need seems likely to arrive right on cue. As for here at Smuggs, our snowmaking ponds are replenished by both rainfall and an offsite river source, essentially guaranteeing a steady and reliable water supply for snowmaking operations. That river water is also why you may not want to let your kids eat machine made snow\u2026 Given Vermont\u2019s fickle weather, maintaining a strong and efficient snowmaking system is crucial to ensuring consistently good conditions throughout the season. Fortunately, we have both the water and the technology to keep the snow guns pumping. So, to those who worry, it\u2019s time to shift your focus to temperatures, because that\u2019s the one factor we\u00a0can\u2019t<\/em>\u00a0control. When you dance with Mother Nature, she always leads – so, turn up your favorite tune and start those cold temps and snow dances!<\/p>\n

For the long-range forecast enthusiasts out there, this season\u2019s expected weather pattern is classified as a \u201cweak La Ni\u00f1a.\u201d That term might not mean much at first glance, but generally, it signals a trend toward warmer and wetter conditions, and a jet stream that pushes storms our way. While \u201cwarmer and wetter\u201d might not sound ideal, remember, snow requires precipitation. A wetter pattern could very well translate into strong snowfall totals. I took some time to review past snowfall data from other years that shared this same \u201cweak La Ni\u00f1a\u201d pattern. Interestingly, many of those seasons saw excellent snowfall, some even ranking among the top ten all-time snowfall depths. Betting can be risky, of course, but if I were a gambling man, I\u2019d put my money on a solid snow year.<\/p>\n

Lastly, the word from Mountain Operations is that brush cutting has been completed on all of our trails. Apparently, it’s the best quality work that’s ever been witnessed. Also amazingly, this team of 16 workers completed our entire network in just five and half days, which is truly incredible. As a former member of the brush crew, it would take our team sometimes a whole day to complete just one trail. So, kudos to the brush cutting crew this year, the true “GOATS” of trail maintenance. <\/p>\n

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