I have found it very interesting these last few years that the GFS is much more skillful at 10mb than at 500mb and especially at the surface. Your explanation, Chi, of the general stability at that level makes sense to me. The GFS has been consistent on this development this entire week, so I believe something is definitely there. Will be interesting to see if it can persist and if additional waves will develop and propagate. The 11-15 day GFS suggests this is the case.