CNN/AP: Vermonters say winter's not what it used to be

[DeepModem Mom]

Vermonters say winter's not what it used to be
March 4, 2007


Floating down Vermont's West River in January.

....Whatever the cause, winter isn't what it used to be in this part of the world. Erratic weather in recent years has wreaked havoc on New England and its outdoor culture, turning tradition on its earmuff. Ice festivals have been canceled, ski seasons delayed and snowmobile races scrapped for lack of snow.

"People are really scratching their heads, wondering what's going on," said bait vendor George LeClair, who sells to ice fishermen.

Historically, winter arrives here well before the calendar says it does, with ski resorts opening in mid-November and staying open through April. But warm weather on both ends of the season spelled trouble last year, with rains washing out trails last spring and 40-degree weather forcing ski resorts to postpone their openings.

This season at 4,350-foot Mount Mansfield, home to Stowe Mountain Resort, only a half inch of snow fell in the entire month of November, a record. Winter didn't arrive in earnest until the last week of January, and the area's first major snowfall came in February, not December.

Warmer temperatures are part of the reason....

***

Global warming expert Bill McKibben, author of "The End of Nature," a 1988 book credited by many with raising consciousness about climate change, says the biggest toll from changing winters may be psychological.

"We're very used to the idea that winter is not only a distinct and powerful season, but it's probably THE most distinct and powerful season in our minds....

http://www.cnn.com/2007/WEATHER/03/04/changing.winter.ap/index.html

[Old and In the Way]

1. Peak snow season seems to be in March now.

It's like the snow calender has shifted 2-3 months. Of course, it doesn't last nearly as long now...the ground doesn't freeze hard and the days are getting longer.

[DeepModem Mom]

2. Thanks for an "on the ground" report! nt