Snow Business: Field Says The Weather, It is a Changin' (For the Better)

Brad Field and I have been talking about this for three weeks now and it is time to make a declaration that the weather pattern has turned around and that means the likelihood of some really good conditions this season.

It started with a couple of runs at Okemo and has continued over the phone and in emails. Each time we have reached the same conclusion — things are destined to be much better this season.

And was Thursday's storm a preview? Field, NBC Connecticut's Chief Meteorologist said yes.

"Many ski areas in New England could have their bases set for the season after this storm," he said.

So was it the rooftop snow dance in the jacket made of pink yeti fur that did it? Field admits the columnist's annual ritual may have helped, but the truth is, El Nino, the scourge of Northeast skiing and riding, is gone and our friend, a weak La Nina, is back.

She sends open invitations to both storms along the eastern seaboard and clipper systems coming in from Canada to the winter party.

That means more nor'easters, more storms in general and more dumps. That "backside Canadian air," Field said, is key for not only cold temperatures, but pinning the storms so they last longer.

The last time we saw data like this was the 1995-95 winter, when 120 inches fell at Bradley International Airport, Field said.

"And that was not even the hills," he said.

He said 65 inches in Hartford are a distinct possibility and even more than 100 on the high side.

So that means even more up north?

"We've had a pretty good start to the ski season, but February and March could give us some pretty good storms," Field said. "This could wind up being a really, really good season."

Field explained it in a recent seasonal preview forecast.

See Brad's winter forecast here.

The bottom line is get the edges tuned and the bases waxed because we should have a lot of seasons t load up the ski sand boards and head for the hills. Don't freak out, embrace the snow.

Go have fun, because from the looks of things, we will have plenty of opportunities as the season moves along.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel

Chris Dehnel is an editor at Patch and the current executive secretary of the North American Snowsports Journalists Association. The Snow Business column appears regularly during the season.