Does anyone here have a dependable website that provides weather information for the mountains? I normally use www.noaa.gov, but lately it has been giving contradictory forecasts (it states its raining at Mount Islip but then states that the snow level will be ~5500 feet). I found one site that looks promising ( http://www.mountain-forecast.com ), although since I just discovered it today I do not know how trust worthy the forecasts are. According to mountain-forecast's website there will be no rain or snow till Wednesday at Mount Islip which completely goes against both versions of the forecast from noaa.
I welcome anybody's tips and tricks when it comes to reliable mountain forecast resources in the San Gabs and beyond.
Reliable Weather Website
On the NOAA page (weather.gov) with the 7 day summary, there is a link "Forecast Discussion." This discussion is worth reading and gives the reasoning behind the forecast. For the southern Sierra in late summer, I always check the direction of the prevailing winds. If southwest, the air is dry and no afternoon thunderstorms. If southeast, the air is moist and there will be thunderstorms.
The method used to produce point forecasts is explained here:
http://www.srh.weather.gov/srh/jetstrea ... nt_max.htm
When you select a peak on the map for a forecast, it is derived using the point forecast method.
Forecasting is done by studying the result of several computer simulations of the weather. Private companies can buy access to the model results and make their own forecasts. I think Accuweather works this way. I guess it depaneds on whether you think the forcasters working for a private company are any better than those working for NOAA.
The method used to produce point forecasts is explained here:
http://www.srh.weather.gov/srh/jetstrea ... nt_max.htm
When you select a peak on the map for a forecast, it is derived using the point forecast method.
Forecasting is done by studying the result of several computer simulations of the weather. Private companies can buy access to the model results and make their own forecasts. I think Accuweather works this way. I guess it depaneds on whether you think the forcasters working for a private company are any better than those working for NOAA.
I've really been digging http://www.mountain-forecast.com/ As far as weather sites are concerned, I really think that this is the best site I've seen, as it is mountain specific. I also really like that you can select different altitudes because I don't like to math. 
http://www.mountain-forecast.com/subran ... /locations for a good selection of peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains.
http://www.mountain-forecast.com/subran ... /locations for a good selection of peaks in the San Gabriel Mountains.
I agree with PH. Mountain Forecast is a good resource and, so far, seems pretty accurate.
Here's what I use most. If you click on the map you can actually zero in on pretty specific areas of the range.
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=CAZ054
Here's what I use most. If you click on the map you can actually zero in on pretty specific areas of the range.
http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=CAZ054