Found a few more pics. First is my old El Camino under a blanket of pre Christmas 1998 snow. And it looks like it was chilly the first part of 2004.

I'm kinda in a similar situation. I wrestle with the climate issue, but it is complicated by my emphasis on location. I want more snow (even by Bellingham standards). But I want to be on the coast. We have considered MT a couple of times, but needing to be on the coast always killed that. Easy, move to Ketchikan or Sitka. I work remotely, so I can work anywhere that has a good internet connection. But, I am barely hanging in with the length of our days here in Bellingham, no way I can handle the lack of daylight during winters further north. Also, growing up southern having family around and strength of community is something I am familiar with, and for many years, I didn't care about that. But as I get older, I miss being in a close knit community and being around family. I have no family here, and there is zero sense of community in this state....at least the I-5 corridor.... Bellingham has turned into such a f*cking dumpster fire. When I was back in Georgia a few month ago, I went up and saw my aunt and uncle who live up in the mountains close to the Georgia/NC border. I was reminded how much the Appalachians ground me, moreso than even the coast. Any time I was going through hard time as a teenager, I always got in my car and headed for the North Georgia mountains. So, maybe I end up there. If I were to move there, I would be focused on the area currently recovering from Helene, so obviously it won't happen right away. I would be looking to get as much altitude as possible with my living situation to give me the best snow chances possible. And maybe I'll get thunderstorms to boot (which is also something I love). Problem is, not sure my wife would be on board with this.

BLI was below freezing for 4 days straight from 1/7-1/10. A couple more freezing days the following week. Not much snow, though, aside from the transition out of it.

Going on record. Right here, right now. I haven't given up on December.

I recall Bellingham getting nuked winter of 04-05 with days below freezing and the rest of the west side except for island county and north slope of the peninsula getting cold rain. I don't remember when it hit though. Too much hops and bong water.