The first 2008 Nor’easter
The first Nor’easter of the New Year made national headlines. For most of us in the region, it was just more of what we had grown accustomed to in December. i.e. – Daily historic snow records being broken or challenged.
For New England’s ski slopes, the event was blissful after a January thaw that would go down in the books as one of the most punishing in recent memory. The only time I can recall exceptional conditions vanishing so quickly was right before the holidays in the 03/04 season. The warm spell we experienced in the last ten days was far worse.
Although this time around at least it held off until after Christmas and New Years. In fact, many resorts around the region are reporting the best holiday numbers they have seen since 1995.
That said we have gone from Hero to Zero and now we are looking to get back to the top. Yesterday’s snowstorm was a blessing to some ski areas. It dropped a dense, heavy, sticky, and wet snow. The type of stuff that does not go anywhere and the skiers and riders can really pack it down as they track it out.
Snow Totals: Things where sporadic. Areas reported mixed results. The gist was that Southern NH, Eastern MA and points in Maine did the best. For complete results hit this SnoSountry LINK.
• Lost Valley, ME was the BIG winner reporting an event total of 18” – 20”
• Shawnee Peak also in Vacation-Land rang up 16”
• Wachusett in Princeton, MA scored a solid foot (night skiing after work?)• Most areas around North Conway (Attitash, Cranmore, & Wildcat) in NH picked up 8” – 10”
• Places in southern/central NH also did well with Sunapee and Pats Peak each getting in the neighborhood of a foot.
• Southern VT did the best in the Green Mountain state, but every area reported some accumulations
Down the Pike: There is already a lot of chatter about another Snow Storm on Friday night into Saturday. The further north and west you travel to ski or ride the more snow you will see from the Friday system. Then a cold snap will be the daily special for the remainder of January. Note: It should be frigid Sunday in Foxboro/ugh for kickoff. There are whispers of above normal snows for the second half of the month.
This week temperatures will still seasonable and snow in the Hub should melt. Up north, keep an eye on your favorite resorts to see if they fire up the snowmaking systems.
All in, we are moving in the correct direction again here in New England and conditions will keep improving in the next three weeks.
More soon,
S.G.
