Fall 2026 Med/Long range discussion

[Stebo]

39 minutes ago, michsnowfreak said:

Strong/super Ninos:

1877–1878: 43.4"

1965-66: 15.4"

1972-73: 45.0"

1982–1983: 20.0"

1991–1992: 43.5"

1997–1998: 23.4"

2015–2016: 35.3"

2023-24: 23.5"

I expect below avg snow. I disagree about "background state of losing snow in recent years". Due to the snowy 2000s & 2010s, the current 1991-2020 yr avg snow is highest its ever been (45"). The longterm avg is 41". The dip in the 2020s is not at all unexpected. Look at the ebbs and flows since 1880. 

My comment was moreso aimed at those expecting no snow in northern locations. An absolute joke void of any meteorological reasoning. Last winter was a severe winter due to the cold/snowpack, with suppression being the problem why we didnt have above avg snow.

If im throwing out a number for 2026-27, im guessing 30"-ish. The biggest wild card will be a big storm. Should be some big nino storms. They often hit the east coast, but have also hit us (1878, 1992). 2015-2016 had multiple big storms just north of Detroit. 

I would toss any of the years that are <2.0 that just tries to soften the blow, all the super ninos except for one are bad bad here, and the one that isn't is still below normal 15-16.

As for my comment about the background state in recent years, I'm talking the last 10 years, which had 1 above normal year, 3 near normal and 6 below normal including the last 4 years in a row.

I get you want to shine up this winter some, but eventually you have to look at reality in front of you. The data is bad and we are basically wishing and hoping on luck and nothing else to get us something decent this year.

[michsnowfreak]

1 hour ago, Stebo said:

I would toss any of the years that are <2.0 that just tries to soften the blow, all the super ninos except for one are bad bad here, and the one that isn't is still below normal 15-16.

As for my comment about the background state in recent years, I'm talking the last 10 years, which had 1 above normal year, 3 near normal and 6 below normal including the last 4 years in a row.

I get you want to shine up this winter some, but eventually you have to look at reality in front of you. The data is bad and we are basically wishing and hoping on luck and nothing else to get us something decent this year.

Last year was 39.5". Thats slightly below normal, I have no qualms about last winter with excellent snowcover and cold. I enjoyed it more than winters that saw more snow but milder weather and less snowcover. It was on track for above avg snowfall as well, until a no show march. (Works both ways, a big march snowstorm that fluffed up the season total wouldn't save an otherwise bare mild winter).

I wasnt trying to soften the blow. Literally just googled strong nino years lol.

And im not wishcasting, believe me a milder than avg winter with 30" of snow is not on my wishlist. But its what I see as a realistic shot. We wont know til April. But I will say this. If we end up below 25" id say some bad luck was involved, and if we end up above 35" ill say some good luck was involved. 

[A-L-E-K]

should get used to this look

[nvck]

no complaints here, bring on the 60s and dry

[A-L-E-K]