I have a backpacking trip coming up Jan. 1-4 in Pisgah National Forest. What is the forecast for western N. C. then? Snow or frozen precip is fine but a cold rain makes for miserable conditions.

MIKE MOSS SAYS:      Chris,      We're still too far from that time period for any kind of meaningful weather forecast. I did note that the Climate Prediction Center 8-14 day outlook leans toward above normal temperatures and (weakly) toward below normal precipitation, but that is only marginally helpful regarding day to day specifics.

As you move within about 5-7 days of the trip, more specific and gradually more confident forecasts will become available, and you can check them by clicking on the map at http://www.erh.noaa.gov/er/gsp/. Good luck!