White Christmas? (Ossipee, Washington: house, live, to move)

[Tupaloop]

Hi!

Just wondering if it's the norm to have a white Christmas every year in the White Mountains region of NH?

It's been years since it's snowed on that day in South Jersey. We would love, love, LOVE to be up there during the Christmas season... but that's not going to happen this year.

Thanks!
Tupaloop

[fishnfool]

Well if you define a white xmas as having snow on the ground, then yes, it's usually a white xmas.

I usually define it as it is actually snowing (and accumulating) on xmas. In that case it's anyone's guess.

The last two winters we've had huge amounts of snowfall in early winter. This year is definitely not like the previous two. Mount Washington doesn't even have snow on it right now, which is definitely not normal.

[Tupaloop]

Originally Posted by fishnfool

I usually define it as it is actually snowing (and accumulating) on xmas. In that case it's anyone's guess.

Yes, I meant actually snowing on xmas.

You must be relieved that your winter is starting out more mild this year? We work with a lady who's sister lives in Ossipee and she said the last two winters have been very, verrrry snowy. I think she said they got over 100 inches (?). She showed us pictures of her sister's husband picking ice off of his roof... without a ladder!

[fishnfool]

You must be relieved that your winter is starting out more mild this year?

Quite the opposite....I've been staring at my skis for the last month praying for snow. I have a house booked at Sunday River in early December and I'm worried it will barely even be open. The last two winters have been perfect with big storms early on. I got a TON of skiing in. The snow and cold can't get here fast enough for me....

As for the snowing on xmas....it's like asking if it's likely to rain on June 23rd or August 8th...sure it might, it might not. Just as it definitely rains in June and August, it also snows in December....which days are impossible to guess more than a day or two out.

[GraniteStater]

If this month has been any indicator, I wouldn't count on a White Christmas this year. The warmer than normal sea surface temperatures off the coast want to draw in the warmth every single time a storm is forecasted to move by. It does not look good right now, but temps should start cooling down over the next week or two. In terms of climatology, yes the odds are pretty good of having some snow on the ground.

[Tupaloop]

Originally Posted by fishnfool

Quite the opposite....I've been staring at my skis for the last month praying for snow. I have a house booked at Sunday River in early December and I'm worried it will barely even be open. The last two winters have been perfect with big storms early on. I got a TON of skiing in. The snow and cold can't get here fast enough for me.....

Mild weather with light snow can't be good for the tourism up there either. Well I hope you get to use your skis soon.

Originally Posted by fishnfool

As for the snowing on xmas....it's like asking if it's likely to rain on June 23rd or August 8th...sure it might, it might not. Just as it definitely rains in June and August, it also snows in December....which days are impossible to guess more than a day or two out.

Very true, very true...

Last year I can't remember having to shovel any snow here at all. I think we used salt on the walkway once or twice but that was about it.

Christmas in NH must be splendid indeed! Can't wait to experience it!!!

[NewNHguy]

Originally Posted by fishnfool

... Mount Washington doesn't even have snow on it right now, which is definitely not normal.

well it sure did the first/second week of november... Seems to have gotten warm enough to melt it all...

Here's the Mt. washington web cam site...

Mount Washington Observatory – Webcam Network

[GraniteStater]

I have been following the GFS computer model and it continues to be very inconsistent in the medium to longer range. However, I do see a noticeable cooldown for early December with a few milder days mixed in. I am hoping we get a solid snowfall soon to build up a decent base for the ski areas.

[Ken E]

Were any ski areas able to open for this weekend?

[GraniteStater]

Originally Posted by Ken E

Were any ski areas able to open for this weekend?

Sunday River in ME is open I believe. I am sure conditions are horrible, though.
Much to warm...