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December 11-13th MW/GL Snowstorm


bud2380

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GRR update

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.UPDATE...
Issued at 1130 AM EST Sat Dec 12 2020

The sfc low is now centered near AZO and will deepen this
afternoon as it tracks across the Thumb then into srn Lake Huron.
Rain/snow line has nudged a bit farther north and extends from
just north of MKG to near/just north of Mt Pleasant.

Snowfall reports so far have been in the 2-6" range, with the
highest amounts from Le Roy to Harrison. Power outage map shows
numerous outages in the Harrison area already from the heavy wet
snow, and central dispatch there confirms trees and power lines
down from the weight of the snow.

Best mid level deformation will be setting up soon across the
warning area, with strong FGEN forcing/omega within the prime -12C
to -18C dendritic grown zone region. Snowfall rates could reach
inch per hour for a few hours before the intensity diminishes
after 4 PM. Deformation axis extends all the back into Iowa so
even after the heavier snow ends light snow will likely continue
into the evening hours.

Sfc temps have been somewhat marginal (slightly abv freezing) and
will continue to be through the rest of this event, holding down
snow depth measurements from melting/settling. As such, the
highest final accumulations (up to 10") will be limited to areas
where topography is greater than 1000 ft and where sfc temps are
colder, which includes areas near/north of Big Rapids/Reed City,
Evart, and Harrison. Travel will be particularly dangerous today
along the U.S. 10 corridor east of Baldwin, as well as along the
U.S. 131 corridor north of Big Rapids.

The lower end snow amounts in the warning area are expected to be
west of a line from Baldwin to White Cloud, including Pentwater
and Ludington, as well as south of Big Rapids. These areas will
probably end up being under 6" for final amounts.

Meanwhile rainfall amounts south of the rain/snow line have been
generally 1 to 1.5 inches so far. Could see another half inch or
so of rain early this afternoon before mid level dry slot south of
the deformation zone sweeps in this afternoon. Thunder looking
unlikely at this point.

@Slowpoke Seems you're in the cross-hairs for best outcome. As you said, great way to start winter with a heavy snow base. Hopefully it's here to stay and works out as such. Enjoy that ride

Winter 2023-24 Snow Total = 52.8" (89% Normal Season)  Largest Storm: 12" (1/12-13)   Oct: 0.1 Nov: 2.9 Dec: 7.5 Jan: 31.7 Feb: 6.0 Mar: 4.1 Apr: 0.0

Avg = 59.2"  (Harrison): 2023-24 = xx.x" 

Avg = 45.0"  (KDTW): 2022-23 = 33.5"   2021-22 = 35.6"    

Avg = 49.7"  (KRMY): 2020-21 = 36.2"   2019-20 = 48.0"   2018-19 = 56.1"   2017-18 = 68.3"    2016-17 = 52"    2015-16 = 57.4"    2014-15 = 55.3"    2013-14 = 100.6" (coldest & snowiest in the modern record!)  2012-13 = 47.2"    2011-12 = 43.7"

Legit Blizzards (high winds and dbl digit snows): Feb 2011, Dec 2009, Jan 2005, Dec 2000, Jan 1999, Mar 1998, Nov 1989, Jan 1982, Jan 1978, Jan 1977, Apr 1975, Mar 1973, Jan 1967, Feb 1965, Jan 1918

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NWS Gaylord already reached the lower end of their call

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GAYLORD MI
100 PM EST SAT DEC 12 2020

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0100 PM     SNOW             1 NW WATERS             44.91N 84.72W
12/12/2020  M6.1 INCH        OTSEGO             MI   OFFICIAL NWS OBS

            STORM TOTAL THROUGH 1 PM AT NWS GAYLORD.
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Winter 2023-24 Snow Total = 52.8" (89% Normal Season)  Largest Storm: 12" (1/12-13)   Oct: 0.1 Nov: 2.9 Dec: 7.5 Jan: 31.7 Feb: 6.0 Mar: 4.1 Apr: 0.0

Avg = 59.2"  (Harrison): 2023-24 = xx.x" 

Avg = 45.0"  (KDTW): 2022-23 = 33.5"   2021-22 = 35.6"    

Avg = 49.7"  (KRMY): 2020-21 = 36.2"   2019-20 = 48.0"   2018-19 = 56.1"   2017-18 = 68.3"    2016-17 = 52"    2015-16 = 57.4"    2014-15 = 55.3"    2013-14 = 100.6" (coldest & snowiest in the modern record!)  2012-13 = 47.2"    2011-12 = 43.7"

Legit Blizzards (high winds and dbl digit snows): Feb 2011, Dec 2009, Jan 2005, Dec 2000, Jan 1999, Mar 1998, Nov 1989, Jan 1982, Jan 1978, Jan 1977, Apr 1975, Mar 1973, Jan 1967, Feb 1965, Jan 1918

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If any place in NMI is winning, it's usually Gaylord and today's event won't disappoint.

 

20201212 APX icons.PNG

Winter 2023-24 Snow Total = 52.8" (89% Normal Season)  Largest Storm: 12" (1/12-13)   Oct: 0.1 Nov: 2.9 Dec: 7.5 Jan: 31.7 Feb: 6.0 Mar: 4.1 Apr: 0.0

Avg = 59.2"  (Harrison): 2023-24 = xx.x" 

Avg = 45.0"  (KDTW): 2022-23 = 33.5"   2021-22 = 35.6"    

Avg = 49.7"  (KRMY): 2020-21 = 36.2"   2019-20 = 48.0"   2018-19 = 56.1"   2017-18 = 68.3"    2016-17 = 52"    2015-16 = 57.4"    2014-15 = 55.3"    2013-14 = 100.6" (coldest & snowiest in the modern record!)  2012-13 = 47.2"    2011-12 = 43.7"

Legit Blizzards (high winds and dbl digit snows): Feb 2011, Dec 2009, Jan 2005, Dec 2000, Jan 1999, Mar 1998, Nov 1989, Jan 1982, Jan 1978, Jan 1977, Apr 1975, Mar 1973, Jan 1967, Feb 1965, Jan 1918

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Just got done taking more snowfall measurements and it hasn’t shrunk or melted much so far. I’m going with 4” as many solid surfaces have that much. It’s over 4” on the grass which I never trust just sticking a ruler down through. I could dig it away and see how thick it was on top of the grass as wet snow mostly sits on top without sifting down into the grass. I’m still in the process of melting 2 core samples just to see approximately how much liquid came from snow. One core is from a solid board surface and the other from the grass. It might be the first time I took a sample on the lawn, but it worked well with wet snow! It packed right in with hardly any left on the grass. Was surprised, but storm total liquid was a whopping 1.70”. 
 

Now I need to catch up on this these wx threads since I’m a few days behind.

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7 minutes ago, Sparky said:

Was surprised, but storm total liquid was a whopping 1.70”. 

I received 0.43" of rain, so my storm total precip is 1.06", pretty close to the model avg.

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season snowfall: 34.8"

'22-23: 30.2"      '21-22: 27.1"      '20-21: 52.5"      '19-20: 36.2"      '18-19: 50.2"      '17-18: 39.5"

Average snowfall: ~30"

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19 minutes ago, james1976 said:

9.4" report by Dubuque 

The DBQ airport area was easily the big winner.  They got 3+" from wave #1 last evening and 4" just this morning after 6am.

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season snowfall: 34.8"

'22-23: 30.2"      '21-22: 27.1"      '20-21: 52.5"      '19-20: 36.2"      '18-19: 50.2"      '17-18: 39.5"

Average snowfall: ~30"

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9 hours ago, bud2380 said:

Yep the GFS was awful for this storm. It did a good job sniffing out storm potential up to 10+ days out. So kudos there but in terms of any reliable details of the storm it was atrocious. Like I said repeatedly the GFS has major thermal issues. I noticed it this summer and it continues now in winter. So a marginal temperature event like this it’s no surprise it couldn’t handle it. The 00z run shows 1-3” across the state at best. Dubuque is already well past that. 

Wasn’t awful.  Just missed the defo band.  Track was good.  Nailed Michigan part of the storm perfectly.  

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3.5” here as well as KLNK. Really beautiful snow and not bad considering the crappy pattern. Some melting so far, but still around 2.5-3” left, hopefully it’s not nuked too soon. Congrats to everyone who’ve cashed in. 

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Snowfall in Lincoln, NE:

2017-18: 21.4"   2018-19: 55.5"   2019-20: 17.6"   2020-21: 49.4"   2021-22: 5.1" 🤮

Average: 26"

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4 hours ago, Sparky said:

Here’s a map from IEM. Maybe someone posted it already. 

713A6E7D-413A-42FF-AD77-512DD8D79112.png

That looks just like the RAP and HRRR did 24 hours ago- the Euro last few days and NOTHING like the GFS..

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The two loudest sounds known to man: a gun that goes bang when it is supposed to go click and a gun that goes click when it is supposed to go bang.

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Ended up with 8” or so here at Higgins Lake. Lost pwr for a bit a couple times but we were/are really lucky because it came back on and there are trees down everywhere around here. Made for a really nice evening snowmobile ride. This heavy snow should make a great start to the winter play activities up here like cross country and down hill skiing, snowmobiling, stuff like that. 

A7B04908-E427-49C6-BFDB-9A374FC9EB32.jpeg

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Consolation flakes made my night. Even dusting up the grass and cars near BC. Great for my first night lighting up the holiday decorations outside. Rolled into town and it was so much more festive with the flakes flying. Jingle bells..jingle bells..

 

20201212 KRMY Obs.PNG

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Winter 2023-24 Snow Total = 52.8" (89% Normal Season)  Largest Storm: 12" (1/12-13)   Oct: 0.1 Nov: 2.9 Dec: 7.5 Jan: 31.7 Feb: 6.0 Mar: 4.1 Apr: 0.0

Avg = 59.2"  (Harrison): 2023-24 = xx.x" 

Avg = 45.0"  (KDTW): 2022-23 = 33.5"   2021-22 = 35.6"    

Avg = 49.7"  (KRMY): 2020-21 = 36.2"   2019-20 = 48.0"   2018-19 = 56.1"   2017-18 = 68.3"    2016-17 = 52"    2015-16 = 57.4"    2014-15 = 55.3"    2013-14 = 100.6" (coldest & snowiest in the modern record!)  2012-13 = 47.2"    2011-12 = 43.7"

Legit Blizzards (high winds and dbl digit snows): Feb 2011, Dec 2009, Jan 2005, Dec 2000, Jan 1999, Mar 1998, Nov 1989, Jan 1982, Jan 1978, Jan 1977, Apr 1975, Mar 1973, Jan 1967, Feb 1965, Jan 1918

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The east side of NMI that normally gets shafted by a LES clipper held the winning ticket with this one:

PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GAYLORD MI
929 PM EST SAT DEC 12 2020

..TIME...   ...EVENT...      ...CITY LOCATION...     ...LAT.LON...
..DATE...   ....MAG....      ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
            ..REMARKS..

0800 PM     HEAVY SNOW       ALPENA                  45.07N 83.44W
12/12/2020  M13.7 INCH       ALPENA             MI   CO-OP OBSERVER
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Winter 2023-24 Snow Total = 52.8" (89% Normal Season)  Largest Storm: 12" (1/12-13)   Oct: 0.1 Nov: 2.9 Dec: 7.5 Jan: 31.7 Feb: 6.0 Mar: 4.1 Apr: 0.0

Avg = 59.2"  (Harrison): 2023-24 = xx.x" 

Avg = 45.0"  (KDTW): 2022-23 = 33.5"   2021-22 = 35.6"    

Avg = 49.7"  (KRMY): 2020-21 = 36.2"   2019-20 = 48.0"   2018-19 = 56.1"   2017-18 = 68.3"    2016-17 = 52"    2015-16 = 57.4"    2014-15 = 55.3"    2013-14 = 100.6" (coldest & snowiest in the modern record!)  2012-13 = 47.2"    2011-12 = 43.7"

Legit Blizzards (high winds and dbl digit snows): Feb 2011, Dec 2009, Jan 2005, Dec 2000, Jan 1999, Mar 1998, Nov 1989, Jan 1982, Jan 1978, Jan 1977, Apr 1975, Mar 1973, Jan 1967, Feb 1965, Jan 1918

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There looks to be around 4 to 7" of snow on the ground in northern lower Michigan. The reported snow fall at Alpena was 13.7" and at Houghton Lake 7". I had a total of 1.83" of rain. The rain did end as a period of snow here at my house and I had enough to cover the roofs of the houses and on cars. This AM there is still a little on the SUV that I park outside. It is cloudy and 31 here at this time.

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20 hours ago, james1976 said:

The GFS thermals were terrible for Iowa at least....

 

Euro Op was just as bad in the other direction showing parts of NMI getting 20+ inches. Double what actually happened so it's thermal profile is most likely too favorable in these marginal conditions. Imagine that was the only model you had to look at. You'd think "2 footer incoming" and be very disappointed by 10" totals. Or maybe happy if your power was still on. Idk

Winter 2023-24 Snow Total = 52.8" (89% Normal Season)  Largest Storm: 12" (1/12-13)   Oct: 0.1 Nov: 2.9 Dec: 7.5 Jan: 31.7 Feb: 6.0 Mar: 4.1 Apr: 0.0

Avg = 59.2"  (Harrison): 2023-24 = xx.x" 

Avg = 45.0"  (KDTW): 2022-23 = 33.5"   2021-22 = 35.6"    

Avg = 49.7"  (KRMY): 2020-21 = 36.2"   2019-20 = 48.0"   2018-19 = 56.1"   2017-18 = 68.3"    2016-17 = 52"    2015-16 = 57.4"    2014-15 = 55.3"    2013-14 = 100.6" (coldest & snowiest in the modern record!)  2012-13 = 47.2"    2011-12 = 43.7"

Legit Blizzards (high winds and dbl digit snows): Feb 2011, Dec 2009, Jan 2005, Dec 2000, Jan 1999, Mar 1998, Nov 1989, Jan 1982, Jan 1978, Jan 1977, Apr 1975, Mar 1973, Jan 1967, Feb 1965, Jan 1918

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Highest report I'm seeing in APX's CWA are in Alpena Cnty so that must've been the rare bulls-eye for this one.

What a nice way to kick-start winter

1229 AM     SNOW             5 SE LACHINE            45.03N 83.65W
12/13/2020  E15.0 INCH       ALPENA             MI   PUBLIC

            ESTIMATED STORM TOTAL.
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Winter 2023-24 Snow Total = 52.8" (89% Normal Season)  Largest Storm: 12" (1/12-13)   Oct: 0.1 Nov: 2.9 Dec: 7.5 Jan: 31.7 Feb: 6.0 Mar: 4.1 Apr: 0.0

Avg = 59.2"  (Harrison): 2023-24 = xx.x" 

Avg = 45.0"  (KDTW): 2022-23 = 33.5"   2021-22 = 35.6"    

Avg = 49.7"  (KRMY): 2020-21 = 36.2"   2019-20 = 48.0"   2018-19 = 56.1"   2017-18 = 68.3"    2016-17 = 52"    2015-16 = 57.4"    2014-15 = 55.3"    2013-14 = 100.6" (coldest & snowiest in the modern record!)  2012-13 = 47.2"    2011-12 = 43.7"

Legit Blizzards (high winds and dbl digit snows): Feb 2011, Dec 2009, Jan 2005, Dec 2000, Jan 1999, Mar 1998, Nov 1989, Jan 1982, Jan 1978, Jan 1977, Apr 1975, Mar 1973, Jan 1967, Feb 1965, Jan 1918

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As a footnote. On a day it hit 50F here, I got measurable snow. That doesn't happen often I can assure you of that.

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Winter 2023-24 Snow Total = 52.8" (89% Normal Season)  Largest Storm: 12" (1/12-13)   Oct: 0.1 Nov: 2.9 Dec: 7.5 Jan: 31.7 Feb: 6.0 Mar: 4.1 Apr: 0.0

Avg = 59.2"  (Harrison): 2023-24 = xx.x" 

Avg = 45.0"  (KDTW): 2022-23 = 33.5"   2021-22 = 35.6"    

Avg = 49.7"  (KRMY): 2020-21 = 36.2"   2019-20 = 48.0"   2018-19 = 56.1"   2017-18 = 68.3"    2016-17 = 52"    2015-16 = 57.4"    2014-15 = 55.3"    2013-14 = 100.6" (coldest & snowiest in the modern record!)  2012-13 = 47.2"    2011-12 = 43.7"

Legit Blizzards (high winds and dbl digit snows): Feb 2011, Dec 2009, Jan 2005, Dec 2000, Jan 1999, Mar 1998, Nov 1989, Jan 1982, Jan 1978, Jan 1977, Apr 1975, Mar 1973, Jan 1967, Feb 1965, Jan 1918

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What this storm did in NMI

 

20201213 APX Storm results graphic.png

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Winter 2023-24 Snow Total = 52.8" (89% Normal Season)  Largest Storm: 12" (1/12-13)   Oct: 0.1 Nov: 2.9 Dec: 7.5 Jan: 31.7 Feb: 6.0 Mar: 4.1 Apr: 0.0

Avg = 59.2"  (Harrison): 2023-24 = xx.x" 

Avg = 45.0"  (KDTW): 2022-23 = 33.5"   2021-22 = 35.6"    

Avg = 49.7"  (KRMY): 2020-21 = 36.2"   2019-20 = 48.0"   2018-19 = 56.1"   2017-18 = 68.3"    2016-17 = 52"    2015-16 = 57.4"    2014-15 = 55.3"    2013-14 = 100.6" (coldest & snowiest in the modern record!)  2012-13 = 47.2"    2011-12 = 43.7"

Legit Blizzards (high winds and dbl digit snows): Feb 2011, Dec 2009, Jan 2005, Dec 2000, Jan 1999, Mar 1998, Nov 1989, Jan 1982, Jan 1978, Jan 1977, Apr 1975, Mar 1973, Jan 1967, Feb 1965, Jan 1918

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