Yeah, and those cold waters around Newfoundland. The West Pac is once again looking like a Thorn . So, rather competing Driver's.
There'll probably be a large area of Ridging in the entire North Pacific this Winter. Probably will be shifting of the main core from West to East occasionally, or a split. Hopefully, we can keep decent ridging in the NEPAC and into AK and Yukon from the NEPAC warm SST'S. That is if you are Winter Wx Lover's.
There should be blocking Episodes due to the cold pool around Newfoundland being conducive for 50-50 LP hangout there. QBO is a Mystery component this Winter imo. Up for debate since the SST Configuration and ENSO Status may alter it's affect one way or the other. Solar Flares and Sunspots may play a Role as well.