In the Rogue Valley, JPR meteorologist Milt Radford says conditions are unusually dry for winter. The region is in what he calls a “pre-drought” state, with precipitation approximately 18-19% below average.
While much of the eastern U.S. is dealing with rare and destructive ice storms caused by supercooled air, Radford says the bigger concern locally is air stagnation.
Science of stagnant air
Air stagnation occurs when persistent high pressure traps cold air in valleys, preventing the atmosphere from mixing, Radford said. This condition leads to dense fog and increased air pollution, which can increase health risks for some people.
Snowpack and fire safety
Radford points to a stark contrast in snowpack this winter between Mount Ashland in Southern Oregon and Mount Shasta in Northern California. Though the two mountains are only about a 90-minute drive apart, Mount Shasta’s greater height allows it to intercept Pacific storms. Mount Ashland, by comparison, remains “tucked in” and receives far less snow.
That lack of snow, Radford said, is bad news for the upcoming fire season. Mountain snowpack acts as long-term water storage, slowly releasing moisture into soils and streams well into summer.
Guest
- Milt Radford, JPR meteorologist
