January 19, 2012
Digging out
After waiting so long for La Nina conditions to finally make their effects known on northwest Montana, we finally had a significant snowfall and spent the morning digging out. It was impossible to accurately measure the depth of the snow because last evening a warm, wet air mass came in over colder air in the valley and for about four hours a freezing/frozen rain fell, packing down the snow that had already fallen. We measured 16 inches on the ground this morning, but the actual total was probably more like 20 – 24 inches. Tonight it’s still snowing after about 40 hours. What a beautiful storm and how wonderful to have the snow!
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Montana Outdoors 
Beautiful! Especially that last photo, that shows the snow depth so clearly. I can hear it crunch from here!
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Comment by shoreacres — January 19, 2012 @ 9:20 pm
Deep snow can be so beautiful and it’s still stacking up out there. I know I’ll have the snow blower out again in the morning and maybe get in a short trek on the snowshoes in a day or so.
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Comment by montucky — January 19, 2012 @ 10:35 pm
I think I could handle being snowed in..for awhile anyway!
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Comment by Roberta — January 19, 2012 @ 9:21 pm
It’s great when you’re prepared for it and we are. When it was coming down so heavily yesterday we made sure we had plenty of water on hand and checked the lanterns just in case. Sometimes here the snow can take down power lines in remote places. The pantry is well stocked and there is plenty of wood for the fire and it’s very pleasant to see the snow.
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Comment by montucky — January 19, 2012 @ 10:38 pm
We have 3-4 inches on the ground here in NH, also followed by freezing rain. I’d sure have preferred 16-24, so I’m envious.
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Comment by jomegat — January 19, 2012 @ 9:36 pm
There was rain in the forecast for tomorrow here too but I think the Arctic air will be close enough to our area to replace it with additional snow. I hope so.
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Comment by montucky — January 19, 2012 @ 10:40 pm
You make it seem fun!
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Comment by Tammy — January 19, 2012 @ 10:31 pm
It is. On of the things I like about Montana is that when it gets really cold and snowy and nasty outside, most folks love to go out and play in it.
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Comment by montucky — January 19, 2012 @ 10:41 pm
Wow. Great photos. I was very delighted to see Your nice snow photos. We got here also finally snow. In days only about 16 inches. Forecasts are that it is snowing every day more snow, but do not so “terribly”.
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Comment by Sartenada — January 20, 2012 @ 12:29 am
Snow is such a good thing, perhaps even “sacred” for those of us who live in the northern parts of the world. Not everyone enjoys snow, but it is one of the miracles of Planet Earth and a big part of the reason why our species can exist here. I’m glad that you are also getting snow now.
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Comment by montucky — January 20, 2012 @ 1:28 am
That looks amazing! And what a nice little snow-plough. We could have done with that last winter!
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Comment by Jo Woolf — January 20, 2012 @ 12:52 am
I bought the snow blower last winter and got some good use out of it then; this year, even more. This particular machine is a real pleasure to use and, unusual for products lately, works well, consistently, and reliably.
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Comment by montucky — January 20, 2012 @ 1:34 am
Your photos are lovely but I still hate snow.
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Comment by Roberta — January 20, 2012 @ 6:32 am
I can understand how you might not like snow. I was born here and grew up playing in it, working in it and it has just been a part of my world. We lived for many years in Arizona too and although we enjoyed the climate (except in the very high temps of summer) we missed the four seasons. The thing that I love most about winter is that it makes possible the beauty of spring and all of the wonderful things that happen in summer.
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Comment by montucky — January 20, 2012 @ 9:14 pm
YAY for snow!! We finally got our first few real inches last night!!!
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Comment by Marcie — January 20, 2012 @ 7:13 am
We sent from nothing to a whole lot in two days. Actually, I like it that way and now hope that there will be much more spread over the next two months.
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Comment by montucky — January 20, 2012 @ 9:16 pm
Oh, how I envy you yet again! 🙂 Could I be a little mouse and live out in your woodshed?
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Comment by Homestead Ramblings — January 20, 2012 @ 7:55 am
You might have more company than you want out there, especially when the chipmunks start stirring. (I think several are spending the winter there.) The natural world is what it is, and when we have an understanding of it we can enjoy almost every bit of it, each season, each bit of climate and weather. We live in a truly wonderful world!
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Comment by montucky — January 20, 2012 @ 9:20 pm
So glad to hear that a good winter snow has arrived up north. Doesn’t look like we will get half-again that much. I was disappointed in the rain we received. The storm seemed to have split around our county and dumped its bounty to the north and south of us. Guess a little is better than none so I will keep good thoughts that more is on the way. Enjoy the white stuff. I’m sure it won’t be too long before you can get out the snow shoes and enjoy a beautiful walk.
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Comment by anniespickns — January 20, 2012 @ 9:52 am
We are relieved that we are finally getting some winter weather, late as it is. Yes, I hope to get out on the snowshoes, perhaps next week. I’m anxious to again see some wolf and cougar tracks in the snow.
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Comment by montucky — January 20, 2012 @ 9:23 pm
Wow that looks like what we got last year. Two storms in one week for a total of 45 inches. We are expecting 2-4 inches tonight so that’s a start!
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Comment by dhphotosite — January 20, 2012 @ 10:46 am
This is more than any one storm last year, but the totals are still behind that. I haven’t been able to get up into the high country yet but from what I can see from the valley it is doing well now.
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Comment by montucky — January 20, 2012 @ 9:24 pm
Here is raining 😦 . I still wait for some snow.
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Comment by apostolcornel — January 20, 2012 @ 11:44 am
I love the summer and spring rains, but also the winter snow. All are necessary for the country and all are appreciated.
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Comment by montucky — January 20, 2012 @ 9:25 pm
* without “for” Sorry.
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Comment by apostolcornel — January 20, 2012 @ 11:45 am
Wow, that is a lot of snow. I hope it is all you get for a while. Snow is so pretty on the first day, isn’t it? We had six inches of fluff last night, so it was easy to clean up.
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Comment by sandy — January 20, 2012 @ 12:29 pm
Your pictures remind me of a big snow we had a couple years ago. I actually enjoy being snowed in because it forces me to slow down, enjoy some down time at home and appreciate the beauty and peacefulness of the snow. Like you, we’ve got a snowblower, otherwise, we’d have a hard time clearing out our long driveway (which drifts shut). Enjoyed the pictures, as always. Stay warm!
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Comment by Mama's Empty Nest — January 20, 2012 @ 1:28 pm
Winter really does make one slow down a bit doesn’t it. It is really pleasant to be outdoors during the day and enjoy the warmth of a fire in the evening.
For so many years I cleared the driveway with a shovel and last year bought the blower. What a pleasure it is, and it also leaves me with enough energy to do all of the other things necessary in snow country. It’s especially useful when we get this much snow at once.
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Comment by montucky — January 20, 2012 @ 9:29 pm
Just glad it’s there and not here! 🙂 Gorgeous to look at though!
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Comment by Barbara — January 20, 2012 @ 1:39 pm
That’s OK, we’ll keep it! I know some folks don’t like the snow and the cold and I can understand. There are some folks here too who don’t enjoy it and I sympathize with them.
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Comment by montucky — January 20, 2012 @ 9:34 pm
Snow!!!!!!
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Comment by Juls — January 20, 2012 @ 4:08 pm
Just like you remember, Hon! If it keeps up it will be like the winter of ’96 – ’97.
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Comment by montucky — January 20, 2012 @ 9:36 pm
Good thing you have a snow blower! What a storm! I miss snowshoeing – but then again I would rather snorkle like I did today! Glad to see MT is getting some snowpack.
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Comment by Maureen — January 20, 2012 @ 5:54 pm
This storm has gone a long ways toward getting the snowpack up toward normal levels. The mountains have gotten a lot! I’m very grateful that we had this in the valley too, for the plants and especially the trees. Those big Ponderosas out front can sure use the moisture. Snorkeling would be wonderful in the climate where you are though!
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Comment by montucky — January 20, 2012 @ 9:45 pm
I’m glad you’re happy about it, maybe you all feel about snow the way we feel about rain here. It is very pretty, that’s true.
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Comment by Candace — January 20, 2012 @ 6:16 pm
In a way, we do. I remember how much I loved the rain in Arizona. There, it’s an immediate thing, but here the benefits of snow are things for next spring and summer as well.
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Comment by montucky — January 20, 2012 @ 9:47 pm
YIKES… glad that is you running that blower and not me! 😉 Still no snow here and that is just fine with me!!
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Comment by kcjewel — January 20, 2012 @ 7:16 pm
I have very good memories of Montana winters from way back when I was a kid, and I suppose some of those feeling are still in me. Last year a ten year drought finally came to an end here in western Montana, and I can clearly remember also during all of those years how much I wished for some heavy winter snow. This snow now is really sweet!
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Comment by montucky — January 20, 2012 @ 9:58 pm
What a beautiful sight!!! I would have gladly helped you dig out 🙂
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Comment by TheDailyClick — January 21, 2012 @ 7:08 am
That would have been welcome! There’s plenty of snow for everyone.
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Comment by montucky — January 21, 2012 @ 9:42 am
Hi Montucky, Yes, it is good to have somewhat normal winter weather, isn’t it? We here in TN had a thunderstorm last night – lots of rain, too. Now fog. Oh well, at least it is warmer than it had been. Have a wonderful day!
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Comment by wildlifewatcher — January 21, 2012 @ 1:39 pm
Thunderstorms are very rare here this time of year. Is that more of a normal occurrence there? We even had a little rain today: what a mess!
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Comment by montucky — January 21, 2012 @ 10:24 pm
Wow, that is a lot of snow and digging out! Snow… let me see if I can remember ‘snow’ because we haven’t had appreciable snow yet (one day a few weeks ago a wee bit dusting for an hour). I sure hope we get snow our way. At least some normal winter weather for the rest of this winter. Moisture needed too!
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Comment by Anna — January 21, 2012 @ 2:25 pm
I’d like the rest of winter now to be more normal. We had a lot of snow in just one storm and I know there was quite a bit of damage around. A neighbor had the roof of an outbuilding collapse and I saw a big greenhouse in town that had caved in. Probably more around.
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Comment by montucky — January 21, 2012 @ 10:26 pm
it’s pretty….to look at in your photos! looks like a lot of snow to me!
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Comment by silken — January 21, 2012 @ 9:07 pm
It was a lot of snow. My estimate was about two feet in total. We have piles five feet high where it came off the roof. You might not like it, other than to look.
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Comment by montucky — January 21, 2012 @ 10:27 pm
So pretty. This has been a very mild winter with little snow for us so far. We currently have about an inch and a half on the ground right now, but it is supposed to wam up and melt this evening. I have mixed feelings about snow–it is pretty, and can be so much fun, but since I do a lot of driving for my job, I’m happy to have it kept to a minimal amount.
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Comment by kateri — January 22, 2012 @ 8:40 am
I sure know what you mean. For five of the years we have lived here I had a 50 mile commute and for another 5, an 80 mile commute. Those snowy, icy drives were not hard to let go!
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Comment by montucky — January 22, 2012 @ 10:05 pm
It is pretty. However, I am extremely thankful for the fact that the snow has mostly missed us this year. I do not miss the digging out one little bit. It is snowing right now and I have my fingers crossed it is just an inch or two … that I can handle.
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Comment by bearyweather — January 22, 2012 @ 11:58 am
This was an unusual amount for one continuous snowfall. I would prefer it to come is a little bit smaller pieces. It’s beautiful though and I’m glad we have it “in the bank” for next summer!
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Comment by montucky — January 22, 2012 @ 10:07 pm
Now THAT is winter! Much less snow here in Ohio 🙂
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Comment by Watching Seasons — January 22, 2012 @ 5:45 pm
This weather in this exact area is rather mild, with moderate snow and usually fairly mild temperatures (compared to the rest of Montana). There is a ski area at a mountain pass about 75 miles away from here where the annual snowfall is 400 inches.
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Comment by montucky — January 22, 2012 @ 10:09 pm
Snow is a lot more fun for retired folks who don’t have to dig out their cars to get to work.
And for kids whose school gets called off FOR TWO DAYS!
Our snowblower, even with chains on the tires, couldn’t handle the wind-drifted snow. Though it did a lot better once we realized a shear pin had broken and only half of the auger was turning! What make is your machine?
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Comment by Kim — January 22, 2012 @ 10:30 pm
Mine is a Troy-Built and I really like it. It chewed through snow up to the top of the intake without hesitation. It has been a very good machine with no bad habits.
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Comment by montucky — January 22, 2012 @ 10:45 pm
Good grief, snow for 40 hrs? I’d venture to say that southeast Missouri has never seen such a thing… certainly not while I’ve been here, anyway…
I love watching falling snow & 40 hrs would definitely give me a lot to see! LoL!
We’ve had rain all evening w/ severe thunderstorms & tornado watches & warning… very unusual for southeast Missouri in January! =0
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Comment by Tricia — January 22, 2012 @ 10:41 pm
If you are well prepared for it, watching it snow that long is marvelous! When it first started, we had 4 inches in the first two hours. We had a couple more inches late last night and I stood outside and watched it for about half an hour just after midnight. It’s so beautiful at night!
I would enjoy those thunderstorms and the rain, but I would surely not like being under a tornado watch.
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Comment by montucky — January 22, 2012 @ 10:49 pm
WOW, I should complain about the inch or two we got here. I am glad you have the snowblower though, I am sure it helps get the job done fast. The snow is pretty, I love your header shot. Just gorgeous. Wonderful wintry photos, have a great week!
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Comment by eileeninmd — January 23, 2012 @ 3:47 am
Thanks Eileen! Yes, with this amount of snow all at once the snowblower is very nice to have. Today was warmer and it has packed the snow quite a bit. That will be excellent for the snow pack inthe high country.
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Comment by montucky — January 23, 2012 @ 9:30 pm
Now that’s what I like to see!
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Comment by WildBill — January 23, 2012 @ 8:53 pm
Yes, more like winter!
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Comment by montucky — January 23, 2012 @ 9:37 pm
you have so much more snow than we do. I think i have 8″ total. yes it melts and sinks….. but still such a different winter.
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Comment by Tammie — January 23, 2012 @ 11:46 pm
It has been very different! I’m really looking forward to seeing what the rest of it will be like!
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Comment by montucky — January 24, 2012 @ 12:02 am
Looks like an amazing storm! We had a blizzard one evening last week where there was thunder and lightning. It was the strangest thing!
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Comment by farmhouse stories — January 25, 2012 @ 5:58 am
I’ve heard of that happening, but I’ve never experienced it. It must be awesome! This storm was pretty tough because there was so much weight in the snow and so quickly. Quite a bit of damage around here.
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Comment by montucky — January 25, 2012 @ 8:37 pm
There is no snow where I live so I might have to travel north to find some adventure
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Comment by Evangeline — January 28, 2012 @ 1:16 am
I lived for many years in the Arizona desert, but I did miss the snow. Here I just enjoy the current season for all of it’s idiosyncrasies.
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Comment by montucky — January 28, 2012 @ 8:05 pm
Red Lodge has had way more snow than you… but you probably know this! We’ve had one snowfall of not much accumulation that stayed around only because the temperatures stayed below freezing for a few days. In view of how crazy everyone drives around our area with the least bit on the roads, I’m thankful we haven’t had much snow this winter. But it does make for beautiful images and I’m enjoying yours!
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Comment by Victoria — January 31, 2012 @ 10:54 am
Yes, there has been a lot more winter east of the Divide this year. I envy them the snow but certainly not the sub-zero temperatures. When it was nearly -20 there it was in the +teens here.
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Comment by montucky — February 1, 2012 @ 10:11 pm
That is really a lot of beautiful snow ! A real Winter Season as we like it here in the Alps too. Do avalanches happen in your area ? We had quite a few this Winter and skiing has been hazardous in several places, even forbidden for a while. Thanks for those great shots.
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Comment by isathreadsoflife — February 1, 2012 @ 12:47 am
The unusual weather this year has created perhaps more avalanche conditions here than usual. There was another skier lost in one yesterday: I think that will make the fourth death that way this year in Montana.
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Comment by montucky — February 1, 2012 @ 10:15 pm