Winter is coming...

[Blue Thunder]

How about some prognostication from our "in house" experts about the next week or two???.....

[Resident 2B]

It is still very early, but next Monday or so could be our first meaningful snow event. That might start a swing towards colder and snowy weather.

Still too early to call, but worth watching.

R2B

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by Resident 2B

It is still very early, but next Monday or so could be our first meaningful snow event. That might start a swing towards colder and snowy weather.

Still too early to call, but worth watching.

R2B

I've been following the reports from up by Moosehead Lake on FB, it looks like they got around 6" and it is holding. They hope to starting grooming operations after Mondays event if it is a snow event.

[MAXUM]

Can't come soon enough, sleds will get final tune up this weekend and I'll be ready to ride, just need some white stuff!

[MAXUM]

Areas Affected:
Belknap - Northern Carroll - Northern Coos - Northern Grafton - Southern Carroll - Southern Coos - Southern Grafton



...SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM POSSIBLE LATE SUNDAY INTO TUESDAY...
.LOW PRESSURE MOVING THROUGH THE GREAT LAKES WILL SPREAD SNOW
ACROSS NEW HAMPSHIRE THEN MAINE LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
COLD AIR INITIALLY IN PLACE ACROSS THE REGION WILL ENSURE THAT
MOST LOCATIONS START AS SNOW. NEAR THE COAST SNOW WILL EVENTUALLY
TRANSITION TO RAIN AFTER SOME LIGHT ACCUMULATION IS POSSIBLE.
SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN WILL LIKELY MIX IN ACROSS SOUTHERN NEW
HAMPSHIRE AFTER LIGHT ACCUMULATIONS AS WELL. HOWEVER...ACROSS THE
INTERIOR OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND WESTERN MAINE...TEMPERATURES WILL
REMAIN COLD ENOUGH FOR A PROLONGED PERIOD OF SNOW. OVER THE COURSE
OF ABOUT 24 HOURS 6 TO 9 INCHES OF SNOW IS POSSIBLE. THE BULK OF
THE SNOW WILL MOST LIKELY OCCUR LATE SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY
MORNING...BEFORE PRECIPITATION BECOMES LIGHTER MONDAY AFTERNOON.
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
TUESDAY MORNING...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GRAY HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY
MORNING.
* LOCATIONS...NORTHERN AND CENTRAL NEW HAMPSHIRE...AND INTERIOR
WESTERN MAINE.
* HAZARD TYPES...HEAVY SNOW
* ACCUMULATIONS...5 TO 9 INCHES OF SNOW.
* TIMING...SNOW WILL BEGIN IN NEW HAMPSHIRE LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON
AND SPREAD NORTHEAST INTO MAINE SUNDAY EVENING. THE HEAVIEST
SNOWFALL WILL BE POSSIBLE LATE SUNDAY NIGHT INTO EARLY MONDAY
MORNING.
* IMPACTS...SNOW ACCUMULATION WILL CREATE HAZARDOUS TRAVEL
CONDITIONS BEGINNING SUNDAY EVENING...ROADS WILL BECOME
SLIPPERY.
* WINDS...NORTHEAST 5 TO 10 MPH.
* TEMPERATURES...IN THE LOWER TO MID 20S.
* VISIBILITIES...ONE QUARTER TO ONE HALF MILE AT TIMES.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by MAXUM

Areas Affected:
Belknap - Northern Carroll - Northern Coos - Northern Grafton - Southern Carroll - Southern Coos - Southern Grafton



...SIGNIFICANT WINTER STORM POSSIBLE LATE SUNDAY INTO TUESDAY...
.LOW PRESSURE MOVING THROUGH THE GREAT LAKES WILL SPREAD SNOW
ACROSS NEW HAMPSHIRE THEN MAINE LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING.
COLD AIR INITIALLY IN PLACE ACROSS THE REGION WILL ENSURE THAT
MOST LOCATIONS START AS SNOW. NEAR THE COAST SNOW WILL EVENTUALLY
TRANSITION TO RAIN AFTER SOME LIGHT ACCUMULATION IS POSSIBLE.
SLEET AND FREEZING RAIN WILL LIKELY MIX IN ACROSS SOUTHERN NEW
HAMPSHIRE AFTER LIGHT ACCUMULATIONS AS WELL. HOWEVER...ACROSS THE
INTERIOR OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND WESTERN MAINE...TEMPERATURES WILL
REMAIN COLD ENOUGH FOR A PROLONGED PERIOD OF SNOW. OVER THE COURSE
OF ABOUT 24 HOURS 6 TO 9 INCHES OF SNOW IS POSSIBLE. THE BULK OF
THE SNOW WILL MOST LIKELY OCCUR LATE SUNDAY NIGHT INTO MONDAY
MORNING...BEFORE PRECIPITATION BECOMES LIGHTER MONDAY AFTERNOON.
...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH
TUESDAY MORNING...
THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GRAY HAS ISSUED A WINTER STORM
WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY
MORNING.
* LOCATIONS...NORTHERN AND CENTRAL NEW HAMPSHIRE...AND INTERIOR
WESTERN MAINE.
* HAZARD TYPES...HEAVY SNOW
* ACCUMULATIONS...5 TO 9 INCHES OF SNOW.
* TIMING...SNOW WILL BEGIN IN NEW HAMPSHIRE LATE SUNDAY AFTERNOON
AND SPREAD NORTHEAST INTO MAINE SUNDAY EVENING. THE HEAVIEST
SNOWFALL WILL BE POSSIBLE LATE SUNDAY NIGHT INTO EARLY MONDAY
MORNING.
* IMPACTS...SNOW ACCUMULATION WILL CREATE HAZARDOUS TRAVEL
CONDITIONS BEGINNING SUNDAY EVENING...ROADS WILL BECOME
SLIPPERY.
* WINDS...NORTHEAST 5 TO 10 MPH.
* TEMPERATURES...IN THE LOWER TO MID 20S.
* VISIBILITIES...ONE QUARTER TO ONE HALF MILE AT TIMES.

Last night forecast was for lakes region south to get the most snow, this morning it is now the lakes region north which should receive the most. And the amounts have gone up almost double.
I will have my plow ready and rely on what I SEE when I get up Monday morning.

[Belmont Resident]

With about 3/4 of an inch of snow on the ground here in Belmont it looks like Mr. weatherman is predictable but the weather isn't.
With the temps staying above freezing into the weekend and rain in forecast, it isn't looking good for a white Christmas in the lakes region.
It's starting to look a lot like last winter.
What happened to that mid December flip in temps and storminess that was going to happen?

[Mink Islander]

I took a look at the water temps going back to 2000 on/around December 16th. The average temp for this time of the year was 38 degrees over that time period. The mid-point of those 13 years (including 2012) is 37 degrees. The Lakeport dataphone message said the water temp was 39 degrees on Sunday -- so a little bit above the average over those years but pretty close. In terms of simple ranking, this year was the fourth warmest -- again confirming that we are a little behind where we should be in terms of typical water temps this year. Last year was the high temp in this data set at 42 degrees and we all know what happened then. Sad to say, but from a trend perspective, water temps have been generally rising year over year during this timeframe -- for all you global warming deny-ers!

The good news is we've hit the magic 39 degrees, so from here we should see some acceleration in the drop in surface water temps so long as we get cold weather. Time will tell.

[Bear Island South]

From our camera it looks like a blizzard up there.

[Belmont Resident]

Snow is about done, with just over 1 inch in Belmont. It never got beyond light snow here but the wind was blowing so that probably made it look worse.
But Meredith had 2 inches according to the news at 6 so maybe it was snowing harder there.
I know we can not put much if any faith in it but even into the beginning of the year it really doesn't look cold. Temps in the 30's with a few 20 thrown in through the beginning of January. According to acuweather extended.
It looks like the plow truck sits for a while.

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

I'd say 3" here next to Christmas Island, still lightly snowing and 26F. Right up until 9PM the forecast was for temps to rise and rain take over around midnight...seems like the cold air stayed a bit longer providing a bit extra white stuff. Supposed to rain this afternoon but it sure feels like snow for now...albeit only a couple inches...Town of Laconia plow just made a cut out front.

Paugus Bay with Big Island in the distance...

[PaugusBayFireFighter]

Of course...none of this discussion matters. Next weeks forecast doesn't bode well for anybody....if you believe those crazy Mayans!!!

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by PaugusBayFireFighter

I'd say 3" here next to Christmas Island, still lightly snowing and 26F. Right up until 9PM the forecast was for temps to rise and rain take over around midnight...seems like the cold air stayed a bit longer providing a bit extra white stuff. Supposed to rain this afternoon but it sure feels like snow for now...albeit only a couple inches...Town of Laconia plow just made a cut out front.

Paugus Bay with Big Island in the distance...

You would think there was a lot more snow the way the roads are. I just drove to Laconia PO and all the roads were what you would expect after a foot of snow. I guess that is what we can expect with less funds to work with. No problems here all our vehicles are AWD or 4WD.
Wow people might have to actually slow down and learn to drive more carefully.
I love watching these young kids in their little low to the ground go fast cars. I was behind a VW wagon, low profile tires, big rims, and he was all over the road driving 15-25 mph.

[Resident 2B]

This event is not over yet. Looks like couple more inches of snow today, then it looks like up to .25 inches of ice tonight. That will produce some nasty driving overnight and into the morning.

The bad news is the warm side of the event starts tomorrow. Wetter and warmer with rain washing it all away in most of the area during Tuesday and Wednesday.

There looks to be another event Thursday night and Friday, but it looks like it will be warm, meaning rain. Still worth watching as it could take a path more to the right (east) making it a colder event, but for now it is not great news for winter sports folks.

R2B

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by Resident 2B

This event is not over yet. Looks like couple more inches of snow today, then it looks like up to .25 inches of ice tonight. That will produce some nasty driving overnight and into the morning.

The bad news is the warm side of the event starts tomorrow. Wetter and warmer with rain washing it all away in most of the area during Tuesday and Wednesday.

There looks to be another event Thursday night and Friday, but it looks like it will be warm, meaning rain. Still worth watching as it could take a path more to the right (east) making it a colder event, but for now it is not great news for winter sports folks.

R2B

Not really, from Conway north it added up from 6-13". Facebook has 16-30 possible through Wednesday for northwestern Maine.

[Resident 2B]

I was talking about on average around the lake. Most of these early season events, especially these long duration events, are very local as far as total snow depth is concerned.

I am still concerned about ice tonight around the lake.

I am happy to hear there is good snow in places north of here. At least for those willing to travel, there is something to play in.

R2B

[Merrymeeting]

I'm amazed at some of the totals being reported here. On the northeast side of Merrymeeting (between Alton and Wolfeboro), we have 2" at most.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by Merrymeeting

I'm amazed at some of the totals being reported here. On the northeast side of Merrymeeting (between Alton and Wolfeboro), we have 2" at most.

I had one of my customers call me last evening asking if I was going to plow.
He was just on the other side of Belknap Mtn. by the Gilford school and said he had 4" of snow.
In the end it was decided to wait and see what mother nature did to wash it all away.
It is sad, many who dislike snow do not realize how badly it hurts the local economy. This is exactly why businesses come and go, without the winter sports enthusiasts that winter brings it just makes things harder on those dependent on both the snow and the dollars.

[Belmont Resident]

Originally Posted by Resident 2B

I was talking about on average around the lake. Most of these early season events, especially these long duration events, are very local as far as total snow depth is concerned.

I am still concerned about ice tonight around the lake.

I am happy to hear there is good snow in places north of here. At least for those willing to travel, there is something to play in.

R2B

Reports from Rangley to Fort Kent are calling for 10-18" for this storm on top of the 6+ they got yesterday.
Last night we went to the mall in Concord, when we came out around 6 it was starting to ice up in the parking lot and walkways. I know because I almost went down. Turned around and went back in to let them know.

[hilltopper]

Measured 4" with the yard stick at my place in Meredith although there won't be much left by the end of the week.

[Winnisquamguy]

3.5" over on Lake Winnisquam...with the warm and rain today and again on Friday its not looking good for a white Christmas.

[fatlazyless]

....up here at about 1800' above sea level in Waterville Valley NH 03215, the temp has hovered from about 32 to 36-degrees and been raining pretty steady all day today, Tuesday, December 18, except for a brief 30-minute time this morning when white slush in big pieces was falling from the sky. Yesterday, we got hit with about three inches of heavy wet snow which still remains and has yet to melt away.......whether or not it will melt away down to the bare ground by Christmas is a possibility looking at the www.weatherchannel.com report for 03215.....but as always.....only time will tell.

If you want a good laugh....go take a look at the conditions report on www.waterville.com which basically never-ever uses the r-word, rain, in their website.......oh well........RAIN happens, even in ski area towns sometimes!

www.realconditions.com ..... hmmmmm.........what the heck is this?

[hilltopper]

Originally Posted by Winnisquamguy

3.5" over on Lake Winnisquam...with the warm and rain today and again on Friday its not looking good for a white Christmas.

I don't see a cool rain washing all the snow away, but we shall see. If a little bit can hold on until Saturday morning we're going to have a bulletproof White Christmas.

[Merrymeeting]

Except for a few small spots in the woods, all gone in New Durham.

[hilltopper]

The lawn is still snow covered in Meredith. I'm looking at the slush in the driveway (decided there was no need to snowblow Monday night) and I'm starting to wonder if it'll be gone by Satruday morning. If it's not gone and I don't do anything about it it's going to be one heck of a frozen mess for quite awhile. My brain tells me to get out there with a shovel, my back tells me to cross my fingers. Oh well, bring on the next storm!

[Merrymeeting]

I was in Wolfeboro on Monday and the Back Bay was completely iced over, and it looked relatively thick.

Back again today and it is mostly open.

Barring a dramatic deep freeze, t'll be a few weeks yet before the lake is closed.

[fatlazyless]

www.skiernet.com/northeast-snow-depth.html shows the snow coverage without indicating where the big lake of NH is located ....hey there....somebody forgot to include an outline of Lake Winnipesaukee within this map.......goodness???