The UKMET actually had a few good performances last winter, as did the Canadian duo.
The UKMET has been horrendous this winter though. Unsure if they performed any 'upgrades' or not.
There are several pieces to the puzzle.
PV well north up in Canada, a disturbance currently cut off well offshore of California, lead waves coming onshore in BC/Pac NW, and then lastly another wave that will dive into the Pac NW from Alaska.
Fairly noticeable height rises this run across the board.
Should allow the overrunning event to bump north in some areas and the main system to end up north as well.
Definitely higher for the main storm system.
Several posts back I posted a Chicago metro sounding from during the heart of the storm on Thursday, showing a deep DGZ.