I did not expect to do this. Not on February 25th. Even in 2017 and 2018 that had record late February temperatures and all snow gone, but back then there was still hope heading into March. Especially in 2018. From March 2 through all of March that year, below to well below average temperatures and several bouts of moderate to heavy snow came about.
In 2017 we went down to zero snow. Then came THE BIG ONE. The largest one day storm in Central NY HISTORY at 3 feet on March 14th!
With a strong El Niño, although starting to weaken some now, it’s going to be too little, too late. Many clubs have already said bye-bye for the very short 2023-24 season. Whatever clubs that still have riding today, which is only select areas of Tug Hill, North Country and the Adirondacks. Whatever snow is left shall be GONE in a few days. All gone. Everywhere. With 6-10 and 8-14 day outlooks all pointing warm, it’s time to say this is it.
This is 6 weeks before last year. March was a good month to us. Not this time. Even if it does change, it will be too little, too late.
With all this said, THANK YOU to all of my sponsors, supporters, and friends! For 12 years doing this, it’s always a pleasure. Even if the seasons have become a lot shorter than we have known in the last 15-30 years. It’s always a pleasure to serve you!
So if any rideable snow does happen to come up in mid to late March, and it would literally be only a few days, if that, I will cover it. Otherwise summer starts in late February instead of late March or early April. It will be an unusually long summer. This time. There is always next winter!
With the exception of a few “hey there” posts, I will start hitting it in September 2024. God bless and God speed!
Rich Lupia
Upstate Snow
February 25, 2024
