Someone on my X feed posted about the Hunga Tonga event of 1/22 causing atmospheric disturbances to the Polar Vortex and couldn't help but wonder if it contributed to our big winter later that year. Grok seems to think so ... 🤔🤷‍♂️ Given inaccuracies in 10-day weather forecasts and AI, in general, I am skeptical. Still, kind of interesting! https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/25/3623/2025/ Here's what Grok had to say: Conclusion Yes, the Hunga Tonga eruption likely played a role in California’s record-breaking 2022-2023 winter by weakening the polar vortex, altering the jet stream, and enhancing moisture availability for atmospheric rivers. However, it interacted with other climate factors like the PDO and long-term warming trends, which together created the extreme conditions. While we can’t attribute the winter solely to the eruption, its influence on atmospheric dynamics makes it a significant contributing factor. The record-breaking winter in California during 2022-2023, characterized by extreme snowfall, heavy rainfall, and flooding, could indeed be linked to the atmospheric changes triggered by the January 2022 Hunga Tonga-Hunga Haʻapai eruption, as outlined in the X post and the associated study by Kuchar et al. Let’s break this down systematically to explore the potential connection. The Hunga Tonga Eruption and Its Atmospheric Impact The 2022 Hunga Tonga eruption injected an unprecedented 146 teragrams of water vapor into the stratosphere, increasing its water content by about 10%. This event, detailed in the 2025 EGU Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics paper, had significant effects on stratospheric dynamics. The study highlights how this water vapor disrupted the Northern Hemisphere polar vortex during the winter of 2022-2023, roughly 12-15 months after the eruption. The polar vortex, a band of strong stratospheric winds circling the Arctic, typically keeps cold air confined to high latitudes when stable. However, the influx of water vapor led to sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events, weakening the polar vortex and allowing cold air to spill southward into mid-latitudes, including North America.

Considering that I missed my first trip this year. I did ok for a Weekend Warrior... Actually got 9 days, Feb 14th was only 3 runs. ❤️🙏 for Clair. Best Day was March 21st. 6 hours with only 1 potty break... 😁

Monday April 14th, 2025 Posted by Mammoth Snowman >>The sun’s out, the snow is softening, and the vibe is pure spring stoke. Here's your full snow update to help you dial in your day on the hill. 👇 🏔 Current Snow Base:❄️ Main Lodge: 82"❄️ McCoy Station: 136"❄️ Summit: 154"Spring corn season is in full swing with solid coverage from top to bottom! 🧵 Groomer Report:Every morning starts off with fast, carvable corduroy across the mountain. 🔹 9:30–10 AM: Lower groomers soften up to that buttery corn snow you dream about (wax those skis/boards the night before!). 🔹 Mid-Morning: Mid-mountain runs like Solitude and Saddle Bowl turn prime. 🔹 Top Runs: Once ropes drop, hit a groomed Cornice Bowl, then cruise down World Cup to St. Anton. 🧊 Snowman’s Favorite Groomed Line:Scotties Run — smooth, silver-lined, and a dream later in the morning hours. 🚨 Off the Groomed – What to Expect:⏰ Early morning: Expect hardpack⏰ 10 AM–12 PM: Softening begins depending on weather/freeze 🔥 Snowman’s Top Spring Picks:• Sign Line• Climax• Hangers• Drop Outs (early)• Wipe Outs (afternoon)• West Bowl Moguls – already bumpin’! 📍 Canyon & Eagle – Last Week of Operations!⏳ This is the final week for Canyon and Eagle Lodges. 👉 Starting next Monday, Mammoth shifts to Spring Operations out of Main Lodge & The Mill only. 📸 Post your morning turns or spring bump lines here — let’s see who’s still getting after it! Steve Taylor — Mammoth Snowman Get my full reports at https://mammothsnowman.com