SuttonStorm

Some incredible updates from NW States here : http://www.hpc.ncep....ns/nfdscc4.html I have absolutely no idea what seeing that amount of snowfall would be like - amazing (note those depths are in INCHES!) SS

It seems incredible that I was worried about the lack of snow just over a week ago. Have just checked the webcams again (becoming a bit of a junkie!) and it is still throwing it down. NW extra radar shows a huge amount to come too! - will be amazing to experience when (if!) we make it there. SS

Dan - I don't think the timing could be better tbh - looks like it will snow all day thurs, very heavy on friday, and all day saturday. I wouldn't be surprised to see over 100cm FRESH snow on top of what is there now by Sunday, and then it turns super-cold. Cant wait :-)))) Dont envy you with the drive down though.....hope you got your snowchains? SS

John - I am heading for the French Alps on Sunday (Courchevel) - I know people there and the snow is fantastic there now. The word locally is that they are expecting BIG snow over the next four days (maybe a bit wet lower down until thurs) - I hope all the roads will be open!!!!! SS

and given the tendency of the GFS to over-egg the depth of the LPs would indicate a more southerly track in reality? SS

I seem to remember from discussions last year, that the intensity of a storm has a bearing on its path. If I have got it right, a deeper storm will take a more northerly track whereas a slacker LP will track further south - not sure if anyone can confirm? SS

Three valleys: http://livecam.courchevel.com/index.php?webcam=4&langue=3 SS

I must admit, I am feeling much happier today :-) Another big dump expected from tuesday evening (too lower levels than today too) lasting for most of wednesday - will make a good base to work on. Heading out on the 18th so lots more please Good cam for the three valleys: http://livecam.courchevel.com/index.php?webcam=4&langue=3 SS

French and Swiss Alps getting a pounding from this run, and (I think) the Canadian & US troughs look like they will link hands and do a merry dance :-) SS

Nick which frame does it appear...make sure I am looking at the right one? SS

NIck - I imagine you are slightly happier regarding your skiing prospects now - looking quite wintry next weekend in your neck of the woods! SS

Where are you viewing the 12z UKMO? It's still the 00z on Wetter and here on Netweather it hasn't updated for days? SS

Thanks Julian - an interesting read. The divergence of the 850 temps was interesting and at the same time hard to understand (for me anyway) - why is there so much variation or are you indicating the possible range? SS

Just when everybody seems to be in the depths of depression AFTER JUST ONE RUN the ECM come to our rescue edit - sorry, tried to post the image from 193 ECM but failed miserably SS

Hi Julian - firstly I would like to thank you for the input you have had on this site. I personally think the freezing level is a more useful indicator than the 850Hpa temp, as that gives me a good reference to start from. I would certainly appreciate the increased detail from region to region showing the progression of weather (pretty much as you have given above). Also, a general summary of the models and what they are showing over a longer period (and your thoughts on how much credence they can be given with their output) would be very useful (a bit like Gibby does but more longer range?) I am trying to learn and look at the broader pattern and how things are progressing at the moment with the season approaching and would love some guidance on the synoptic patterns to look for etc. Hope this isn't too much! SS