We’re lucky to witness some of the oddest and most head-scratching weather phenomena here on the leeward side of the Rocky Mountains. From hurricane-force winds and Chinooks, to noctilucent clouds and strawberry snow. The winter months grace us with one bizarre weather system after another. It’s one of the charms of living here.
A classic Chinook arch in summer
Some cities may claim their slogan is “If you don’t like the weather wait 10 minutes”, but they’re only trying to be as weather-wacky as the Bow River valley. In the same day we can experience summer sun, torrential rain, tornado-forming weather, and wrap up the evening with a freak snowstorm or ice rain. Mornings can be graced with hoar frost and ground-level clouds (not to be confused with fog), and afternoons can be dry and hot. The weather here simply cannot make up its mind.
Freezing rain on Aspen leaves
Take today for instance. It’s a balmy +5C with a slight breeze and plenty of sun as I leave for my morning walk to the convenience store where I plan to grab a cup of coffee and check if I’ve become a millionaire or not. (I’m not, by the way, but it’s always nice to dream). Before I leave, I check my phone for the weather and prepare appropriately.
Half an hour later, I arrive at the convenience store and notice the clouds moving in—the dark, ominous harbingers of stormy weather spilling over the Rockies. By the time I get my coffee, check my ticket, and chat with the clerk, the temperature outside has dropped to -3C. A full-on winter snow storm greets me upon my exit.
But I saw this coming. No app is more used around these parts than the Environment Canada weather app. It warned me of the inevitable dump of October white.
I don my fuzzy hat and gloves, and I start my walk home with my cup of coffee. The great thing about snow is its ability to block out the world. The big fluffy flakes absorb sound from the highway and somehow manage to still the slight breeze I felt on my walk down. The world on my walk back home has become peaceful where only I exist and reality has gone into hiding.
A snow selfie!
I can’t help the big goofy grin on my face as I take my time getting back home. Only my tracks are left in the skiff of snow on the sidewalks. Here, it’s me and only me. The socially anxious side of me rejoices.
My tracks left in the snow
Once back home, I take the puppers out for a walk. Mochi enjoys the snow. She’s built well and fuzzy for this kind of weather.
My first snow!
The Boo enjoys those flakes too, even as the big fluffy white stuff turns into ice pellets that dance off the gazebo roof. She’s also built for the snow with her abhorredly thick hair that clogs up my vacuum.
My ancestors are from Siberia. I got this!
And my winter suitors, the Chickadees, come to dart in and out of the gazebo to steal millet from the feeder.
They may be tiny but they’re mighty! (and really loud)
It’s a blizzard outside my window as I sit down to write this blog post.
By the time I finish, the sky has cleared and the sun is out again.
I cherish the snow as much as I can, for tomorrow we’ll see a high of 15C and sun.
I love October.
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