So the offshore low formed because of the warmth of the ocean out there? So warmer SST give and take away at the same time.... more moisture available for more snow, but also a more eastward track.
Quite honestly out here, it doesn't look all that different from Boxing Day, the main difference is that storm lasted longer (a full 24 hours.)
That storm was like 18 inches here and this storm was like 14 inches....you really can't tell the difference. I think you and I were up til the end of Boxing Day if I remember correctly, we both measured just as the snow was ending and you were in Long Beach, how much did you get in that storm? How much did you get in this one? Does 18 inches in that one vs 14 inches in this one sound about right to you?