La Niña Triple Dip?
Sea surface temps are dropping. Source: NOAA
Get Ready for Pow
In a world of uncertainty, we’re excited to share some positive news, straight from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and our friends at Open Snow. Early forecasts predict a greater than average snowpack in the West due to a high likelihood of a triple dip - three La Niña years in a row.
While one or two La Niña years in a row is more common, a triple dip has only happened twice since 1950. And historically speaking, when repeated La Niña years occur, at least one of those winters delivers higher than average snowfall.
Based on the snowfall we’ve gotten in the northern hemisphere in the previous two winters, it’s looking like this is going to be the one. Having seen recent, colder than average sea surface temperatures, we’re likely to be seeing more storms with higher moisture content hitting at the beginning of this winter. Fingers crossed…
A Quick Note on Weather vs Climate
“Weather refers to short term atmospheric conditions while climate is the weather of a specific region averaged over a long period of time. Climate change refers to long-term changes.” - United States Geological Survey
A common misconception is that positive moments like this are in conflict with what we know about how our planet’s climate is shifting. While we’ve got your attention, let’s take a moment to break down the difference between climate and weather patterns:
The easiest way to think about this is by comparing small fluctuations to large-scale, macro trends. We’re potentially about to enjoy a seasonal fluctuation that will deliver the goods this season, and that’s 100% reason for our community to celebrate. The large-scale, macro trend still is showing the average surface temperature of the Earth rising decade to decade, which, to put it lightly, is cause for concern.
The good times are coming! We want to share them with you. Wasatch Range, UT. FOW: Nikki Champion and Melissa Gill // Photo: Kevin Kinghorn (@kevinkinghorn)
Equipped with this understanding, we stand for excitedly getting the goods while they’re good, treading light, and investing in technologies that have the power to move our society away from petroleum.
We encourage every member of our community to take action via donation to organizations you trust, support of pro-climate political initiatives, and amplification of science and data-driven messaging around climate.
Simultaneously, let’s not forget to take joy in what we seek to protect. Enjoy the powder this winter, equip yourself with the best tools for the job, and share the sacred experience of a deep turn with a newcomer or a lifelong friend.
The crew here in Salt Lake City is already getting stoked dreaming of the turns ahead. Reach out to us and we’ll be happy to fantasize about the upcoming season with you.