Hints and Traces

I have come to hate computer models. I have attended workshops, seminars, and conferences where all that was presented were computer models. Theses models are no more than a prediction of what might happen under certain conditions. The problem is they are only as good as the information entered. What I have found is this information is generally entered by someone who rarely leaves the research station or office. Because of that, some of the models have been way, way off the mark.

A few days ago, I listened to the news and according to one station, their ‘computer model’ indicated we would get “a trace” of snow. Another station said their computer model forecasted just “a hint” of snow. Even listening to them, I thought what is a trace and a hint?

It snowed just as they predicted. I now know that a trace and a hint equals six inches of wet, heavy snow.

On the positive side, it is a Spring snow. When the sun comes out this “hint and trace” will be gone in a matter of hours.