This morning it’s -40 and three hours of chores don’t give a rats’ ass about the weather. There’s talk of it warming up, but it’s December so I don’t hold my breath on that account, just yet. The thermometer hasn’t seen the top side of zero for a few weeks now. Two hours into chores, the wind starts to blow. There’s the telltale blue arch visible in the western sky. The snow eater is coming. By mid-afternoon the water’s running in the barnyard. It’s not a myth. It happens from time to time, but only in Chinook country.
Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Prompt - December 14, 2017 - Write a story about that includes the words "only in".
The old timers talk about ten-foot drifts disappearing in a day, and how the sound of the wind thunders through like an old locomotive. It’s not uncommon to start the day dressed for frigid weather only to be shedding clothes as the temperature rises. Comments and visuals that are still true in today’s world when you live near the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains.
It starts with a light breeze, and usually prominent sky and cloud formations. Before long it turns into a force of warm wind that eats the snow, dries the land and causes havoc with its intensity. There have been instances of 30-degree temperature changes in three to four hours.
This weather phenomenon known as a Chinook has its perks, too. The warm winds with their snow eating capability will open up winter grazing land allowing ranchers to take advantage of the gift from Mother Nature.
Unfortunately, it does have a bad side, too - dehydrating the land and causing possible fire hazards. With winds howling and ground drying out any sighting of smoke on the horizon, at any time of the year, causes everyone to shudder.
Still, when the wind picks up, it’s natural to look skyward and off to the West to confirm what’s coming our way.
It starts with a light breeze, and usually prominent sky and cloud formations. Before long it turns into a force of warm wind that eats the snow, dries the land and causes havoc with its intensity. There have been instances of 30-degree temperature changes in three to four hours.
This weather phenomenon known as a Chinook has its perks, too. The warm winds with their snow eating capability will open up winter grazing land allowing ranchers to take advantage of the gift from Mother Nature.
Unfortunately, it does have a bad side, too - dehydrating the land and causing possible fire hazards. With winds howling and ground drying out any sighting of smoke on the horizon, at any time of the year, causes everyone to shudder.
Still, when the wind picks up, it’s natural to look skyward and off to the West to confirm what’s coming our way.
Ann Edall-Robson
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life
"Capturing moments others may never get to experience."
Author, Photographer, Lover of Life
"Capturing moments others may never get to experience."
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