El Niño To Bring More Snow To the Four Corners

Above, 2019 New Year's Day snow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like this winter will be a colder and snowier one for the Four Corners region of the U.S.

I received an email from AccuWeather that indicates that snowfall will be much more this year than last year. It will bring excellent skiing conditions for ski resorts in the Four Corners. Purgatory's ski operators in Colorado are likely smiling bigtime!

I'll be making good use of the Jeep's four-wheel drive this winter, it appears.

Here's part of the email that pertains to the Southwestern U.S.:

Western US: El Niño to fuel atmospheric rivers

Last winter was one for the history books in California as an onslaught of atmospheric rivers dumped monumental snowfall in the mountains that helped ski resorts remain open until July and flooding rainfall that filled many water reservoirs across the region.

 

A repeat is possible this winter across California, Nevada and the Four Corners region, which includes Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado, due to the anticipated weather patterns shaped by El Niño. Most El Niños typically result in a stormy pattern over California with frequent rain and mountain snow, while storms largely miss the Pacific Northwest.

The upcoming season does look like it will follow the traditional El Niño pattern with the jet stream directing storms into California, Nevada and the Four Corners. This differs from the El Niño of 2015-2016 when storms largely avoided California. Pastelok added that cooler waters southeast of Hawaii could cause the storm track this winter to focus on areas south of Southern California occasionally.

The Storm Will Miss Us

It appears that we in the northwestern portion of New Mexico won't have to worry about the Thanksgiving Day storm that will hit the eastern portion of New Mexico and the Texas panhandle.

Here's what AccuWeather has forecast:

A general 6-12 inches of snow with an AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 15 inches will blanket northwestern Texas and eastern New Mexico. It is possible that the heaviest snow may end up falling west of Amarillo, Texas. Motorists planning on traveling along I-40 in this area should expect delays and slippery conditions.

Looming December-Like Storm Coming

A storm pattern more "typical" of December may be developing over the United States that could dump a lot of snow from northern New Mexico along a 2,000 mile path to Maine next week.

According to AccuWeather:

Soon after a colder weather pattern more typical of December develops over much of the United States, at least one storm with snow will gather moisture over the southern Rockies and Plains, travel northeastward through the Heartland and eventually reach the Northeast next week, AccuWeather meteorologists say.

A storm from the Pacific that will dip across the Southwestern states with rain showers and mountain snow this weekend will reorganize over New Mexico and Texas from Sunday to Monday. As this storm rolls along next week, snow may fall along a zone that stretches for 2,000 miles.

Just enough cold air will allow snow not only to fall but potentially accumulate from portions of northern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle to Oklahoma and southern Kansas on Monday.

To read the full article, go here. 

Solar Eclipse October 14, 2023: Where To View It

Above, the Great American Eclipse of 2017. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

During the next two years, there will be two solar eclipses crossing over the U.S. 

One will be an annular solar eclipse (2023), where the moon won't completely block the sun as it is further away from earth. This will produce a "fire ring" effect. The other will be a total solar eclipse (2024), like the one I saw in 2017 in Idaho.

AccuWeather posted an article on the best places to be to view the eclipses. The annular one will be crossing over New Mexico, so I won't have to go far to see it.

The total solar eclipse will be crossing over Texas, so it is likely that I will be going there to view it. I have to talk my cousin in to going in their RV so we can make this a family outing.

According to AccuWeather:

Life changing. Spiritual. Better than any photo. These were the phrases used to describe the most recent total solar eclipse over the United States, and the cosmos are about to align again in spectacular fashion with two solar eclipses taking place over the U.S., just 177 days apart from each other.

"These eclipses are very different," eclipse photography expert Dr. Gordon Telepun told AccuWeather.

The first eclipse on the docket will take place on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, and will be visible from Oregon to Texas. Included in the path of that eclipse will be major cities, Native American reservations, national parks and sections of cross-country highways. This will be followed up by a total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, that will be visible over Mexico, the eastern U.S. and eastern Canada.

Although an eclipse only lasts a few minutes, the experience is still well worth traveling to where totality can be observed. I highly recommend it!

To read more, go here.

Arctic Blast Dumping Up To 30 Inches of Snow

Above, snow that fell a year ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The arctic blast is affecting travel and life in general in many regions of the U.S.

Fortunately for me, it is not going to affect New Mexico. We're still enjoying seasonal autumn weather here. But that won't last forever. We'll get our turn.

According to Travel + Leisure:

As if we needed another reminder that summer is long gone, a record-breaking cold front is sweeping across the country this week, bringing up to a whopping 30 inches of snow in some places.  

The arctic blast — as many have dubbed it — is set to dump freezing temperatures and snow on a large swath of the country from Oklahoma City all the way up through the Northeast, Tyler Roys, a Meteorologist with AccuWeather, told Travel + Leisure.

 To read more, go here.

The Snowstorm Has Arrived

Above, this morning's snowfall. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The pathways I shoveled two days ago (the snow was three inches deep) are now erased as the new storm has arrived in Jamestown, New Mexico and it continues to dump more snow.

Above, the side yard getting more snow. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This has been an unusual storm as it dumped snow (sometimes it stuck, sometimes it didn't) in areas in Southern California that don't usually get snow. Those areas include, Agoura, Malibu(!), West Hollywood, Fontana and other places. Even Las Vegas got some.

The Los Angeles Times reported:

Snow fell in Malibu, Pasadena, West Hollywood, Northridge, San Bernardino, Thousand Oaks and other unexpected places.

Above, today's snow map from AccuWeather.

It looks like I'll just be sticking around home today.

A Big One Is Coming...

Above, outside a few minutes ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It won't be too long before the latest winter storm hits northwest New Mexico.

The main body of the storm is now over Arizona, but it will get here.

The storm is dumping snow in Southern California in the San Gabriel Mountains and foothill communities such as Redlands, Fontana, Cajon Pass, Alta Loma and other places.

We're expected to get several inches of powder (see below) on top of what we already have (about 2-3 inches).

The Doppler map from AccuWeather now shows:

According to the National Weather Service:

This Afternoon

Snow showers likely. Some thunder is also possible. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. South wind 15 to 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. Total daytime snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Tonight

Snow showers. Low around 24. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 3 to 5 inches possible.

Friday

Snow showers. High near 31. South wind 10 to 15 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New snow accumulation of 1 to 3 inches possible.

Friday Night

A 40 percent chance of snow showers. Cloudy, then gradually becoming partly cloudy, with a low around 14. West wind 10 to 15 mph.

Second Storm of the Week To "Pack More of A Punch"

Above, the mesas yesterday after the storm. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A new storm that's coming in will pack "more of a wallop" than the storm from the past few days. At least that's according to AccuWeather.

They wrote:

A storm will unload feet of snow, create blizzard conditions and shut down travel over the mountains of Arizona, New Mexico and Southern California during the latter part of this week. 

Spotty coastal rain with low-elevation rain and snow across the interior and heavy snow in the mountains will spread from north to south over the region through Wednesday night. 

Snow began to fall over the northern Sierra Nevada, including Donner Summit, California, during early Wednesday morning and will continue into Wednesday night. However, the heaviest snow will not be on the Sierra Nevada but rather the mountains farther to the southeast. 

For many areas, this will be the second snowfall of the week. However, this storm will pack much more of a punch with a heavier accumulation when compared to the last, as well as gusty winds and cold air. 

A general 1-3 feet will fall on the high country of central Arizona and western New Mexico. An AccuWeather Local StormMax™ of 40 inches is forecast.

To read more, go here. 

Snow To Hit Four Corners

Above, a view of the mesas yesterday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks to be a big one.

A storm is coming into the Four Corners region and it is expected to dump snow in feet, not inches. At least that's what AccuWeather is saying.

They posted:

A storm will unleash heavy snowfall from Arizona to Colorado and New Mexico into Tuesday. 

Snowfall began ramping up on Sunday night across northern Arizona, with a portion of Interstate 40 forced to close due to an accident. 

Flagstaff, Arizona, may receive their biggest snowfall from a single storm yet this season, with around a foot possible before the snow winds down by Monday night. 

Accumulating snow and slippery travel can occur as far south as the mountains to the northeast of Tucson, Arizona, later Monday. 

Snow totals on the order of 1-2 feet are expected across the Rocky Mountains in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico.

The Four Corners region can use the snow since it has been in a drought.

To read more, go here. 

Snow Shoveling and Heart Attacks

Above, the new snow shovel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Ever since my "little" heart episode last summer, I have been careful in watching my diet, taking my meds and getting some exercise.

After the New Year's blizzard hit New Mexico, I went and bought a snow shovel. Last winter, the snow wasn't enough of a hindrance to warrant getting a shovel. But the New Year's blizzard dumped 14" of snow in the area. There's still plenty of it left on the ground, even though almost two weeks have passed.

Above, the mesas following the New Year's blizzard. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Shoveling snow has led to heart attacks, some of which had hit otherwise healthy people.

According to AccuWeather:

As winter kicks off and snowstorms strike across the country, an unsuspected risk arises when performing outside activities like shoveling. 

“It has been shown by many, many studies that there are more heart attacks in the December-January timeframe,” Doctor Samin Sharma, director of Clinical and Interventional Cardiology at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, said. 

While intense cardio exercise certainly puts a strain on the heart, cold weather is an exacerbating factor which leads to an increase in heart-related failures and fatalities over the winter season. 

These factors can even put an otherwise healthy person at risk. 

Cold weather causes the arteries to constrict, which then raises blood pressure and pulse rate. These increases put additional strain on the heart.

That's why I do snow shoveling a little at a time.

To read more, go here. 

Snow On The Way

Above, icicles at my front porch. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is already starting to cloud up in northwestern New Mexico as a storm is moving in this evening.

Great! Just when the outside temperature finally reached the 40s (it is 43° outside now).

According to AccuWeather:

As the first in a series of Pacific storms pushes inland, locally heavy snow and wintry mix conditions will affect areas from Idaho and Montana to Arizona and New Mexico into the end of the weekend. 

While a power house storm with blizzard conditions is not foreseen in these areas, enough snow and ice can occur to create slow and slippery travel over a broad area.

To read more, go here. 

Strong Winds Monday, Tuesday

It looks like we're in for it!

Those of you who drive high-profile vehicles (tractor-trailers and recreational vehicles), take note and drive carefully! Pass the word!

Four Corners To Get More Snow

Above, The Beast with some dusting of snow in Cortez, Colorado. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I read the news report that the Four Corners region will be dusted with more snow, it reminded me of the snow squall that hit while I was driving into Cortez, Colorado near Mesa Verde National Park.

It was a little bit nerve-wracking driving The Beast in the snowstorm since the snow came down hard at times and visibility was greatly reduced. Plus, I've never driven a RV in a snowstorm before.

According to AccuWeather:

A spring storm moving through the Rockies early this week will keep the chance of accumulating April snow alive in Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. 

This cold storm diving into the Southwest on Monday will strengthen as it swings into the central Plains. 

As a result, “more snow is set to strike the Four Corners early this week,” AccuWeather Meteorologist Brett Rathbun said. 

Despite pleasant temperatures to close out the weekend, this storm will coat Utah and Arizona with snow mainly late on Monday into Tuesday morning. 

Speaking of Cortez, AccuWeather's map showing where the snow accumulation includes the Cortez, Colorado area. I had to stop in Cortez to refuel.

To read more, go here.

Change of Plans, Etc.

Above, The Beast at the Covered Wagon Campground in Abilene, Kansas. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

A couple of things.

The infusion of cash finally came through. So now I have plenty of dough to get myself home and then some!

I am currently safely "tucked away" at the Covered Wagon Campground in Abilene, Kansas. I'll tour the Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum tomorrow. After that, it is onward to Colorado. The owners of the campground must be very trusting souls. The office was closed and all I had to do was to get one of their envelopes, fill out my information, put a check in it and drop it into a red mailbox.

Next, in looking at the AccuWeather website, it appears that the roads may be too rough for The Beast and the temperatures too cold to go to Montrose, Colorado. Instead, it looks like I'll be heading south from Colorado Springs to Pueblo (I was last there in 1987 on insurance claims catastrophe duty for ten days). From Pueblo, I'll head to Durango. It appears to be an easier route to take. This wouldn't be a concern if this were the middle of summer. There's always the chance for some autumn snow in the Rockies.

Eventually, I'll go from Durango (and maybe make a stop at Mesa Verde National Park) to Monument Valley in Utah (location for several John Wayne/John Ford western classics). After Monument Valley, it will be the Grand Canyon and then home from there. If the Durango train is running (the shorter winter season trip) when I get there, I'll take a ride. It has been nearly 30 years since I last did so.

It is hard to believe that it has been two weeks since I started this "little" road trip.

Now It Starts Raining

Above, from a year ago. It hasn't gotten to this point. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like there may be a series of smallish rain fronts coming into Los Angeles for the next several days. It is currently raining now in Tarzana. So far, it is a light rain.

I may miss another rainstorm this coming Sunday when I head out to Metropolis, Illinois.

Driving in rain on the open highway doesn't bother me as much as cross-winds (and passing speeding big rigs) while driving The Beast through the desert. Hopefully, there will be no cross-winds on this trip. Thank goodness that Accuweather is available for me to check the conditions ahead.

I am giving myself plenty of time to reach Metropolis, so I am not going to rush over there. 

Driving Directions and Weather At Accuweather.com

Above, rain at the Spring Platrix clamp-out. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thanks to fellow RVers at iRV2, I was directed to a website that provides weather information on the route(s) I'm taking to Metropolis, Illinois. It is at Accuweather.com.

All one needs to do is to add their starting and ending points along with the time of departure and it will provide driving directions and the weather along the route.

Here is what the map looks like for Los Angeles to Metropolis:

Thankfully, we had a couple of rainstorms in Los Angeles this past week, which gave me the opportunity to check for any leaks. Since The Beast is still relatively new, there shouldn't be any and there were none. I did have a small leak from the roof air conditioner during a rainstorm last April at a clamp-out. But that was easily fixed. All I had to do was to tighten the air conditioner's mounting bolts. The recent rains told me that the tightening did the trick. Two weeks prior to the clamp-out, there were heavier rains at Yosemite National Park while I was there and there were no leaks.

To go to their Driving Directions and Weather page, go here.