I look forward to these types of posts. Its like holiday tradition watching Lampoons Christmas Vacation or a Christmas Story. The lamenting of disappointing climate is part of weather ritual just as putting up the tree,hanging lights, or caroling.
I would agree long range op runs are worthless. I think theres equal chances of something popping up long range for systems but for that also verifying is another matter. In other words if a long range forecast says nothing is going on chances of it verifying are greater than it showing a particular system that verifies. More combinations on the dice so to speak favoring nada in terms of producing snow than those that do favor system snow. Thats why LES is so great..less variables need to fall in line.
Not written anywhere that if December is snowless and mild that January cant follow the same path.Although Skilling mentioned arctic air could return at very end of month or early January. But for what duration?And where's the trough position? If the cold air does return but not further west in the central plains it could just result in New England benefiting.
Most of the modeling Im seeing shows the OP GFS the northern outlier and even its 6Z run ticked south. GEFS members mostly further south of OP along with CMC, EPS. Ukie came north to join CMC and Euro Paints an I70 storm more than I80 especially up by Chicago and points north.Also if the EPS is to be believed holiday week looks Chistorm mild
I guess close to 9.6" means within a few inches. If were sitting at 11.2" at end of the month I wont feel the prediction was wrong. If were sitting at 17-20" then yes.