Which areas do schools close for bad weather in the mountain states like Eastern Washingtno/Idaho/Wymoming.etc? 

I know that Utah it will take  a rare 2 footer which has to fall in the morning hours before they will even consider closing or they will laugh you out of the state just for even suggesting it! 

What about Colorado?  I have heard that Colorado Springs School District is not as tough as Denver but then again CS  does not get very much snow most winters.   

Any other areas?

All:

I thought that some of you might be interested in this careeer opportunity:

Our team is growing! The State Climate Office of North Carolina at NC State University is seeking qualified applicants for a new Climatologist position. This scientist will contribute to the extension, research, and outreach mission of the State Climate Office of North Carolina and will specifically work to support and enhance the development of climate data analysis tools and technologies. This scientist will also help support the community outreach effort of the program through climate science communications, including visual, written, and oral communication.

Required Qualifications: This position requires B.S. degree in climatology, geography, atmospheric science, or related discipline, or equivalent experience. An M.S. degree in these or related field is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications: Include demonstrated experience developing decision support tools using technologies such as MySQL, PHP, and GIS, as well as demonstrated capabilities for effective visual, written, and oral communication of climate data and climate science concepts.

To Apply: Applications should be submitted online at https://jobs.ncsu.edu/postings/34120

Please include a cover letter, curriculum vita, and the names and contact information of three professional references. Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Ryan Boyles, Director, State Climate Office of N.C., 919-513-2816, or ryan_boyles@ncsu.edu.

About NC State: NC State is an EEO/AA employer, in addition NC State welcomes all persons without regard to sexual orientation.  For ADA accommodations, please contact our employment team via email (employment@ncsu.edu) or phone, 919-515-2135

__________________________________

Ryan Boyles

Director

State Climate Office of North Carolina

NC State University

Raleigh, NC 27695-7236

919-513-2816

http://www.nc-climate.ncsu.edu/

There is little question things look primed for a major El Nino to rapidly develop in the coming weeks due a major subsurface Kelvin wave racing eastward across the Equatorial Pacific.  

At The same time this Kelvin wave is being being reinforced by a horrible WWB currently taking place

When looking at these two factors in combination with a pretty major tanking of the SOI it is hard to be optimistic about our chances of escaping a significant warm ENSO event.  On the other hand the atmosphere has proven to be very hostile to potential El Ninos in recent years and there is some chance we could escape it.  In this case there is evidence the MJO will be entering a phase hostile to El Nino at about the same time the warm subsurface water tries to emerge off the coast of South America.  If the MJO forecasts are correct it's reasonably likely the AAM will turn negative later this month which would also be bad news for a developing El Nino.  All this having been said, I would have to conclude the chances for a significant El Nino later this years are about 70% to 80%.  We will know a lot more in a few weeks when that warm subsurface water breaks the surface in the eastern Equatorial Pacific.

If we have a significant El Nino next winter the chances are high the last half of the winter will be a total loss, but some El Ninos do feature some cold and snow chances early on.