Weekly Weather Summary March 4th – 10th

2012-03-11 21:17:21.000 – Rick Giard,  Weather Observer / Education Specialist

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WEEKLY WEATHER SUMMARY
March 4th – 10th

As is typical for the transitional month of March, this week featured both winter and early-spring-like conditions. The roller coaster ride of temperature swings provided variety, yet also presented challenges for facilities, crew and guests. Plans for driving a dogsled team to the summit at midweek were postponed by the period’s most significant storm, which also created difficult trail conditions on Thursday for the upcoming overnight guided hiking group. On Friday conditions improved briefly to allow safe conditions for their downhill trek, and the scheduled day trip proceeded safely as well. Saturday wrapped up the week with chilly conditions, fog and snow showers. Overall the weekly numbers stack up as follows: Average daily maximum temperature 18.9, average minimum 2.4, and weekly average 10.7 (0.4 below normal). Daily peak winds averaged slightly higher than last week at 82.9 MPH, while precipitation totaled 10.0 inches frozen and 0.9 inches liquid from all types.

Out of the gate the week started on Sunday with near-normal temperatures. This was interrupted by a Canadian low that dragged a slow-moving cold front across the region, enforcing fog and depositing light to moderate snow. Behind the front temperatures gradually dropped to well below normal as snow showers continued. By Tuesday high pressure building in from the west began the clearing process and initiated a moderating temperature trend. As the ridge translated eastward the mild southerly return flow imported mild, moist air. On Wednesday with a warm front on the doorstep very mild conditions ensued, setting up near-record warmth for Thursday throughout the region. The spring fling would be short-lived, however, as the associated cold front barreled into the summits on Thursday evening to break up the premature seasonal party. Its approach was heralded by increasingly gusty winds and driving rain, followed by a smorgasbord of precipitation particles during transition to snow in the early post-frontal air mass. For Saturday chilly temperatures ruled along with persistent fog and pesky snow showers, depositing a fresh coating of rime and snow to greet the new week in style.

Rick Giard,  Weather Observer / Education Specialist