Monday October 15th, 2012

Greetings and welcome!

We just had a big storm blow through here over the weekend that brought us 2+ inches of rain. Some areas in the middle of the state saw as much as 4-5″ of rain.

It was a classic southern storm with a big push of warm moist air, the low tracking about right, and a lot of precip.  If this had come in January with a little cold air to the north, it could have easily been a repeat of our last big snow last year. I think that I measured something like 16 or 18 inches, and the snow was so heavy it was like cement to move.

That storm has haunted me all summer. I know, I talked about that last time. This storm could have easily been a repeat with the right conditions and timing.

I like the storm path that it took. It might have been a little far north, but we would at least be in the game.That lead me to go and check on the ENSO update to see how this year is shaping up for El Nino, and I liked what I saw.

Right now we are in neutral conditions, but on the warm side and just below the threshold for El Nino conditions. The various indicators and models were looking for us to have a mild El Nino this winter or on the warm side of neutral as we are now.  The latest out of the Australian BOM is on board with that, and even reporting the possibility of a slightly cooler outlook.

That is all good news for snow lovers. Personally I am expecting a good winter. With all of the 2+ inch rain events we have seen this year, I’d be surprised if we didn’t see some really big storms.

The Iron Snowshoe is looking for a representative from the Iron Snowshoe Recreational trail group or business to attend the monthly Oconto County  Alliance meetings on the 2nd Thursday of the month from October to May.  If you are available and want to help out the ISS trails please call John at 715-927-5144 for the details.   The representative would be paid for the meeting plus mileage and would need to report to the Board.

Beyond that I don’t have a lot of snowmobiling stuff to report. Lately I have been working a lot and haven’t had a chance to look at sleds or even cut firewood. I am delighted to have the work and will take it while I can get it.

In addition to my usual web sites and computer & laptop repairs, I work Tr and Fr at Curve Inn as a cook for the AYCE pizza night and fish fry. I have also been working with a guy as a mechanic occasionally, mostly bartering for parts for my truck. Last weekend I did a photo booth and a video for a wedding.

Between all of the work ahead, firewood, and all of the rest of the winter preparations, I am not expecting to be very active here in the few weeks. I will stop in from time to time like I have been, and will be back more often as the season gets closer.

Have a good week and thank you for visiting!

RJB