April 2022: We count on April to be our most productive month for snow. A dry April portends dry forests and enhanced fire danger. This year we saw April deliver only 25% of normal snow, melting
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April 2022: We count on April to be our most productive month for snow. A dry April portends dry forests and enhanced fire danger. This year we saw April deliver only 25% of normal snow, melting out to about one third of the average liquid equivalent. We had a couple of opportunities for major snow, but the weather systems went just to our north leaving us in the strong westerly winds south of the low with only a few brief showers. Slight shifts in the storm track can have huge impacts. The month was windier and slightly warmer than normal.
Temperature: Despite the lack of precipitation we had temperatures near normal. The average high was 48F and the average low was 26F. These combined to make the month about a half a degree above normal. The highest high for the month was 70F on the 22nd, the coldest day was 12F on the 13th. The coldest high was 23F on the 13th.
Precipitation: We had 13 days of measurable precipitation but with meager amounts. We had a decent upslope event on the 5-6th. The biggest day was on the 25th where a weak upper level trough brought snow showers amounting to 3-4 inches around the area. Total for the month was 7.6 inches melting out to 1.13 inches. Normals are 30.2 inches and 2.74 inches respectively.
Winds: Much windier than normal with 11 windy (40mph+) days with two days over 60mph. The windstorm on the 23rd produced some downed trees and damage around the area. Gusts were estimated to have hit 80mph in spots.
Other Features: Strong westerly flow pushed disturbances rapidly through the area with no opportunity to develop strong upslope. We end up with strong winds and minimal showers at best. The dry and windy conditions also were common on the plains with numerous fires reported over many states. Widespread fires in April is a very scary prospect for the coming fire season.
Outlook for May: May is a warm and wet month typically. Average high/low on a May day is 58F/ 33F. We get 2.87 inches of liquid with 11 inches of snow. The long range models are indicating a precipitation event on the 3-4th, and a significant stormy period from the 9th to the 14th. Hopefully we can reduce the moisture deficit. The remainder of the month is likely to be cooler and wetter than normal.
