Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Powder Explosion!

We are now approaching 50 inches of snow since yesterday morning (we might be over it, but I haven't checked the stake in a couple of hours), most of it falling since 7 PM last night.  We've had little sleep and have had to work hard wading through snow, shoveling, and taking observations.  This is the most physically exhausted I've ever been during field operations.  However, we absolutely nailed it today and all the teams from the various universities and groups contributing to the OWLeS field program got an unprecedented research dataset that should provide new insights into lake-effect storms and their prediction.

A few photos before I go to bed.  All from North Redfield, NY.

Hertz, please send roadside assistance!
Your AWD SUV is no match for this
Nice aerodynamic shape to the roofline on this one
Here comes the calvary.  This is the snowblower that the fellow we are renting our house from uses for his driveway!  Where does he get such wonderful toys?
I'm getting too old for this...
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8 comments:

  1. CeliciaDecember 11, 2013 at 4:48 PM

    Welcome to the Neighborhood! So glad you got the readings you need... Can we take a break from Lake Effect now? Please ~ LOL!

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  2. Brian BlaylockDecember 11, 2013 at 11:50 PM

    Wow, that's a lot of snow!

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  3. GEMSUDecember 12, 2013 at 3:48 AM

    It's just called "winter" here.

    from a CNYer

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    1. Jim SDecember 12, 2013 at 4:41 PM

      Touche!

      Utahs mountains get more snow during the entire winter, but the intensity of the Tug HIll events blows us away!

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  4. Brad SmullDecember 12, 2013 at 1:45 PM

    Jim- Your chronicle & associated photos are nothing short of amazing. All of us at the National Science Foundation (and anyone who has been engaged in field observation-driven science) know that great personal sacrifices are involved in collecting these valuable data. But I must say, I think this case "takes the cake" for challenges encountered here in the Lower-48. Obviously this is a banner event--exactly the sort that OWLeS was designed to capture--but here's hoping you and the entire multi-University/organization team have ample time to rest-up once this period of intensive operations draws to a close. Be safe out there... -Brad Smull, National Science Foundation, Physical & Dynamic Meteorology Program

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  5. DDecember 12, 2013 at 8:46 PM

    The locals have a way of bragging and complaining about it at the same time, but can often be found standing in front of snow guns at ski resorts looking wistful.

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  6. maryDecember 13, 2013 at 10:16 PM

    i use to live in redfield and i sure do miss the snow

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  7. AnonymousDecember 15, 2013 at 7:37 PM

    Jim,
    This is what us CNY snowmobilers live for! Here is a link to the Tug Hill web cam network that every snowmobile rider tunes into when they are not riding. We have seen the sticks get buried well over the 7 feet markers. Enjoy the view from Utah. And Thanks to the Barnstormers for all their great work!
    http://www.northernchateau.com/northernchateau.htm

    JR

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