There`s convection all over. The convection in the Maritime Pacific probably inserts it`s forcing into the pattern more than the convection in the I/O.
And with the AO so strong it just bullies the mid latitude pattern regardless.
Yes, all you will do is force PAC air into any trough.
The forcing may push on the SE ridge but the flow has no Arctic influence.
You are left with a muted effect if the heights can`t build over the top.
I believe either Don S or Uncle had shown where there were more in March than Dec.
I remember reading that in here. ( Possible It was combined as you say ) .
We " may " head towards p8 to open March if this wave doesn`t die like the last one just did in late Jan.
Although there are more 6 inch snows at KNYC in March than in December, the book has already closed for me on this winter.
Why bother.
Let`s let this one fizzle to another 0 and then we are owed a big year. @bluewave
Next year or the one after.
Don`t even want to try salvage anything here, let it die the death it deserves.