Snow Snow Snow

This Spring I have learned that in the Rockies, you get used to predictable unpredictability, especially when it comes to weather. Case in point: Last Monday and Tuesday, we had 65 and 55 degree weather, respectively. I even broke out my Chaco sandals and enjoyed some time in the sun. Then, on Tuesday night, the snow came…14 inches of it! At about 6:15 the snow started and by 7:30 we already had at least 4 inches. The snow was good and wet and quickly reminded me of an east coast winter…as soon as anything drove over the roads, the snow immediately changed to slush. After at least 15 hours of complete cloud cover…I like to call it “snow globe weather…” the clouds parted over Sawtooth and Buffalo, the Colorado sky was blue again, and everyone was walking around coatless in the sunshine. What a beautiful snow…what crazy weather!

I’ve heard that many of you have also experienced a lot of snow surprises this winter…especially you Southerners! You know, as we do, that unexpected snow can be both a huge blessing and an irritating inconvenience. In Colorado, we celebrate every inch of precipitation that falls to relieve our dry ground. However, after months and months of snow, March and April snow showers can cause some grumbling. I can definitely relate to early pioneers who talk about being ready for the snow to stop falling so they could make the monthly town trip. Who would have guessed that even with four wheel drive, a simple trip to town can turn into spending a night in a truck on the Matucat…which happened to yours truly two weeks ago.

So, today, I am thoroughly enjoying the seventy degree sunlight pouring into the office windows, and hoping that the precipitation coming next week, which we still desperately need, will promptly change from snow to rain.

PS…Here’s some before and after pictures from last week’s snow storm…so beautiful!