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Show Weatherbank Predicts Good Sid Season State Climatologist E. Arlo Richardson adds yet another note of optimisim for Utah skiers and ski industry personnel. "Based upon an analysis of the last 45 years of record, the driest winter we've had following a winter less than 50 percent of normal. ..has never been less than 130 percent of normal," according to Richardson. Richard-son. "So unless something totally freakish happens, we should have a good ski season." Smile skiers! There's good reason to wax enthusiastic about Utah's upcoming snow season. In an effort to gather the broadest possible data base - to predict snow conditions for the 1977-78 ski season, the Utah Ski Consolidation asked Weather-bank, Weather-bank, Inc. of Salt Lake City to do a little crystal ball work. The Weatherbank predictions are based on interpretations of historical weather patterns. They foretell: Three storms before Thanksgiving and a major storm system between December 15-23, dropping excellent and abundant snow for Christmas. The period between Christmas and New Year's promises good skiing with no storms and cold weather. "Naturally, these predictions are not infallible" says J. Phillip Keene III. "but we hope the Weatherbank forecast, coupled-with coupled-with other estimates, bodes well for this year's ski season." Keene indicated that the industry anticipates a $40-45 million season this year, after losing an estimated $25 million because of last year's drought. |