Winter 2022-23 Ski Season Forecast
It’s that time of year! Time to start dreaming about winter. And what better way to fuel your backcountry powder skiing dreams than to obsess about long range weather forecasts, La Niña vs. El Niño and the latest temperature trends in the equatorial Pacific that directly influence the big picture weather through the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)—La Niña and El Niño.
In case you have forgotten the details from last season, the NOAA Climate Prediction Center forecasted a ~70% probability of La Niña — or cooler than average sea surface temps in the equatorial Pacific — and they were right.
image credit: NOAA
La Niña vs. El Niño
Need a refresher on the differences between La Niña and El Niño and what they mean for your ski season? Check out, La Niña, El Niño and Your Ski Season.
Why Should You Care About ENSO?
Sure, weather nerds get all wrapped up in the inner workings of El Niño and La Niña, but you should care too. Generally speaking, La Niña and El Niño affect global atmospheric circulation patterns in (somewhat) predictable patterns, altering the jet stream, storm tracks and influencing temperatures as well as rain and snowfall amounts. Of course, it’s the weather we are talking about here, so nothing is guaranteed. Nonetheless, following the details is just one more way to pass the time until there’s enough snow to get the skis out.
For a deep dive into the current La Niña forecast and all things ENSO, check out the regularly updated NOAA Climate Prediction Centers ENSO blog. The ENSO Blog team does a great job keeping it accessible, informative and entertaining.
