Changes were evident early on. On the 18z GFS, you can see the s/w kissing the CA coast causing the main s/w near Denver to start moving NE at hr 150. At hr 144 on the 00z GFS, these two systems are much farther apart. As a result, the first and parent s/w dives well south and is not allowed to amp up as much due to confluence. Because it can't amplify, it's taken to the grinder. Not sure if it is right or not. Hopefully it is.