12Z EPS is quite dry for next 2 weeks... but of course much drier than normal doesn't mean totally dry at this time of year.

Models could be lost right now while this SSW gets underway. Let's be patient

I don't think there will be support for anything retrograding given how far we are in the season at that point. We'd likely need to wait out for a reset which takes 20ish days off the clock. Probably looking like another winter where mid February will be our time to shine, but as a few East Coaster have pointed out, we might be struggling by then.

That’s what I’m saying. Shut the pacific down at all costs. If I recall it was a nightmare last year as well. Any ridge that formed was immediately shredded by the jet.