A fern frozen in the middle of its spring re-awakening.
I was somewhat skeptical about accumulating snow in May, but the models showed soundings supportive of snow (but maybe too warm at the ground to accumulate), and the predicted precipitation ranged from 0.25" to 0.5", which would be enough for snow if we had a brief window of heavier precipitation. Well, the models weren't terribly accurate. The heavier precipitation expanded a little farther north than the models indicated (well, model QPF is never the best predictor of precipitation anyway). The better forcing had looked to be a little farther south, but at the last moment, the models adjusted the track northward. The snow was light when I got up, but then it became pretty heavy by late morning, and it started to accumulate. By 1:00 PM, with about an inch in downtown Grand Rapids, and heavy snow still falling, I decided to head for the hills (Sugar Hills, a good 400+ feet higher than town) and check out the accumulation there.
I found pockets of 5" or so of accumulation at the top of the hills, and it was still snowing, so I decided to come back again after work with my skis. I skied the Big Thunders Loop, which is about 6.3 km. There was up to 7" (almost 8) in a few spots, and it was still snowing when I left, so I imagine the total will be over 8" at the top. It's just after midnight as I write this, and the snow is finally winding down. We had about 3-4" in town. I measured 3.25" on my deck when I got back from skiing.
A fern frozen in the middle of its spring re-awakening.
Sprouting ferns in the snow.
Back at home.
A snow-covered balsam fir.
Firs along the ski trail.
A view of the forest.
Firs and maples.
Pretty deep snow.
Toward Big Thunder Peak.
Near the top.
Plenty of snow for skiing (but not tomorrow).
At the top is fog and falling snow.
Back home again-- cats still want to go out, but not long.