February 8, 2012
Sun and ice
Finally a sunny day. Sunny, not warm; cold, guaranteed by a brisk wind off the ice.
For some time now I’ve been promising myself a trek to an un-named and seldom visited waterfall just above a small lake on the Flathead Reservation a dozen or so miles from my house and a mile or so off the highway. Today I strapped a tripod on my pack just in case the falls were thawed and snowshoes in case the snow was deep and headed for the falls. I didn’t need the tripod. It felt so good to be walking over the deep snow and following wolf tracks besides!
Amazing and wonderful how a falls will change over the seasons. Late in March of 2010 this one looked like this:
Today, this is how it was, the normally clear, clean falls blocked in many places by built-up ice dams:
Some water was still flowing beneath or behind the ice, visible just below the fringe area about in the center of the falls; not easy to get to for a close-up, but intriguing.
I will post more photos of the ice over the next few days.
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Montana Outdoors 
Waterfalls are my second favorite thing (after bears of course). Love your first picture of the falls … how high is it? There are numerous waterfalls with short hikes along the North Shore of Lake Superior … one of my favorite places to visit … but, I have never visited them in the frozen winter … interesting idea.
I look forward to more of your ice formation shots,
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Comment by bearyweather — February 8, 2012 @ 2:35 am
The whole falls is perhaps 80 feet high. The first photo is of the bottom two thirds of it. I’ve heard of another one quite a bit farther away but this isn’t the time of year to try to find it. There are quite a few ice walls around here, where seeps drip out of cliffs and freeze, but this is a real waterfall. There is still quite a lot of water coming down behind the ice.
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 10:25 pm
Superb photos – what a wonderful sight. We are getting this icy weather too, it’s such a relief after the wind and rain.
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Comment by Jo Woolf — February 8, 2012 @ 2:52 am
Thanks Jo. I think you are probably getting more cold than we are right now. This waterfall is at about 4,000 feet so it is subject to colder temperatures, especially at night, than we are in the valley. I’m also glad that the winter rain seems to be over but I’d like a lot more snow.
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 10:27 pm
You live in a very beautiful area. I love your pictures.
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Comment by New Hampshire Gardener — February 8, 2012 @ 3:50 am
Thank you. Yes this is a very beautiful area. We are far enough from large cities that there is a lot of unspoiled country in National Forests.
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 10:31 pm
Oh so beautiful…
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Comment by Ellen Grace Olinger — February 8, 2012 @ 5:36 am
It’s a pretty place and still completely natural.
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 10:33 pm
It always amazes me to see the differences the same natural setting might have through various seasons.
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Comment by anniespickns — February 8, 2012 @ 7:45 am
Me too, Annie. The changes are dramatic and I think worth the effort to visit as the seasons change. Sometimes, even from one day to the next.
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 10:35 pm
Well worth braving that chill wind!
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Comment by Dave at collinda — February 8, 2012 @ 8:41 am
You bet! The elements add spice to being outdoors, don’t they!
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 10:37 pm
I am surprised that this falls is seldom visited. It appears to be worth the trip no matter when you go. But from your other posts, I have seen that your area offers much in the way of scenery, and it is probably hard to get around to it all. Another excellent post. Such lovely ice formations.
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Comment by btweenblinks — February 8, 2012 @ 9:49 am
Yes, there is a lot of scenery around here. We are in the middle of the Lolo National Forest and there are a dozen roadless areas not too far distant. This falls is not very remote, but most folks don’t know it’s there. I prefer places that require some effort to visit: they are in much more natural condition, and many are quite pristine.
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 10:40 pm
You said “following wolf tracks besides!”. Isn’t dangerous to go alone there?
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Comment by apostolcornel — February 8, 2012 @ 10:44 am
It is not particularly dangerous in our forests, and certainly not because of the wolves which have not been a problem to people. I do always carry a pistol when I’m in the back country though because sometimes a cougar can be and I’ve had a few encounters with bears. Either way, I prefer to have my own “teeth” with me.
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 10:45 pm
God!! Wolves, cougar, bears!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
To be honest, for me is very scary!
But if I live there, I might be more calm.
I live in the plain, where we have only land cultivated with wheat, corn and other cereals.
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Comment by apostolcornel — February 9, 2012 @ 3:15 am
You would be, Cornel. They are part of the landscape here.
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Comment by montucky — February 9, 2012 @ 11:14 am
Ice on waterfalls is so un-earthly looking.
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Comment by Scott Thomas Photography — February 8, 2012 @ 12:21 pm
It is! I would love to see a slow motion film of how they form. I think that would be fascinating!
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 10:46 pm
Wow talk about a dramatic change! It must have been really cool to be snow shoeing next to the wolf tracks. Great shots Montucky!
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Comment by dhphotosite — February 8, 2012 @ 1:30 pm
Yes, very dramatic. I consider it a real privilege to leave my tracks alongside of those of a wolf, bear or cougar and always appreciate the chance. Shows I’m in the right places!
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 10:48 pm
Wow! Such beauty!
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Comment by Barbara — February 8, 2012 @ 2:09 pm
There is so much beauty in the natural part of this world, isn’t there. I am constantly pleased to find that so many folks enjoy seeing photos of the out-of-the-way places and scenes.
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 10:50 pm
Wow, worth the trip I’d say. Waterfalls intrigue me, so I particularly enjoyed your photos today. Looking forward to more of the icy shots.
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Comment by Mama's Empty Nest — February 8, 2012 @ 3:07 pm
I like waterfalls too, and on nearly all of the streams around here there are sections of small falls and cascades that are gorgeous in winter. Hard to get to though: I need to do more of it.
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 10:52 pm
It is lovely both ways. I am glad that you took the hike. We are getting more bare ground each day, inspite of icy winds.
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Comment by sandy — February 8, 2012 @ 3:23 pm
Our weather still hasn’t made up its mind. I see we are expecting some possible snow again next week. I sure hope so!
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 10:53 pm
What beautiful pictures. I’m glad you share them. I would never want to live in such a cold place but I love seeing it.
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Comment by laveta segura — February 8, 2012 @ 3:35 pm
I’m pleased that you enjoy the photos! Thank you for visiting!
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 10:55 pm
These are gorgeous! Well worth the trek 🙂
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Comment by TheDailyClick — February 8, 2012 @ 6:04 pm
Yes, it really is. I love to see that falls in winter, but I especially enjoyed taking the walk on snowshoes. It was such a pleasant thing to do!
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 10:56 pm
That first one is ethereal! Makes me long for spring.
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Comment by Kim — February 8, 2012 @ 6:40 pm
I looked up that photo, and was a little surprised that it was taken in March. Doesn’t seem that the falls will look like that again so soon!
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 10:58 pm
Hi Montucky, How beautiful! It is likely a preview of what is coming our way here in TN as winter will be making a return visit. We may have very cold temperatures and even a snowflake or two here the rest of the week. So much for an early spring. Have an excellent day tomorrow and thanks for sharing your walk and those photographs.
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Comment by wildlifewatcher — February 8, 2012 @ 8:12 pm
Well, if winter returns there it probably won’t be for long, and spring will be so beautiful when it arrives! I hope you don’t get too much cold!
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 11:01 pm
Not too much longer to wait for the return of the waterfall! So very beautiful.
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Comment by farmhouse stories — February 8, 2012 @ 9:48 pm
Looking at that ice, it’s hard to believe that in a little more than a month it will be free-flowing again. I hope I can remember to visit a few times to watch the transition!
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 11:02 pm
Wonderful stuff! Waterfalls may be my favorite natural feature. In the southern peninsula of Michigan there are almost no waterfalls, so I’ve never seen any myself. I’m hoping I’ll have a little better luck here in Iowa, but I’m guessing t might be hard.
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Comment by Ratty — February 8, 2012 @ 10:03 pm
We don’t have a lot of the here, at least not nice sized ones. I loe seeing them too!
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 11:04 pm
Great shots. Added to the list of places I will visit… when it’s a little warmer!
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Comment by Mike — February 8, 2012 @ 10:37 pm
The good thing about visiting places like that this time of year is that by now we’re acclimated to winter and used to a little nip from the wind. Still, it’s nice to have a warm home awaiting not all that far away!
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Comment by montucky — February 8, 2012 @ 11:06 pm
This was an ice palace, so it’s fair to say that you must have been king of the ice.
Steve Schwartzman
http://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com
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Comment by Steve Schwartzman — February 9, 2012 @ 9:44 am
Not king, just someone in the gallery. I thought the surroundings fit for a king though.
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Comment by montucky — February 9, 2012 @ 11:16 am
enjoy all your winter photos…that is about enough winter for me! I bet the sun felt good
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Comment by silken — February 9, 2012 @ 8:02 pm
Our winters are so different, aren’t they!Yes, the sun did feel good, and so did that walk on the snow!
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Comment by montucky — February 9, 2012 @ 9:26 pm
Incredible beautiful photos Terry. The “bridal veil” = waterfall captured my eyes. I could not leave my eyes from it for a long time. The rest of photos are masterpieces also.
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Comment by Sartenada — February 10, 2012 @ 12:27 am
It’s another of Mother Nature’s creations. What a beautiful world this can be!
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Comment by montucky — February 10, 2012 @ 11:01 am
The free-flowing fall is beatiful – very much like the first falls I saw, near Monterrey, Mexico. I’ve always preferred smaller, more delicate falls – but look how sturdy and stocky it appears in winter!
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Comment by shoreacres — February 10, 2012 @ 10:57 am
Yes, there’s a big contrast between the delicate falls in springtime and the huge pile-up of ice in winter. It also spread out very wide, probably due to ice dams building up across the top.
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Comment by montucky — February 10, 2012 @ 11:03 am
The photos are beautiful but it makes me happy to be in the desert.
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Comment by Tammy — February 10, 2012 @ 2:59 pm
I can understand, but I can also remember times when I lived in Arizona (usually in August) when it would have been wonderful to visit the ice for a day.
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Comment by montucky — February 10, 2012 @ 9:52 pm
oh, you are so right!
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Comment by Tammy — February 10, 2012 @ 9:53 pm
I guess it would be nice to have actual distinct seasons…you always have something new to photograph. So pretty…then and now.
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Comment by Candace — February 11, 2012 @ 2:15 pm
During all of the years when we lived in and loved Arizona, we did miss having the four distinct seasons. That was mitigated only a little by being able to drive to the Rim or the San Francisco Peaks.
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Comment by montucky — February 11, 2012 @ 10:02 pm
Both frozen and thawed, that is a lovely waterfall. Enjoyed your several posts showing the different views.
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Comment by kateri — February 12, 2012 @ 8:09 am
Yes, I think if it’s location was better known it would be a popular attraction for those passing through here, although it’s probably better left alone.
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Comment by montucky — February 12, 2012 @ 10:38 am
Ice art done by mother nature, brought to light by such beautiful photography.
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Comment by Evangeline Art Photography — February 13, 2012 @ 8:27 pm
Thank you for your mind words, Evangeline! I am constantly in awe of the beauty found in nature through all seasons. The beauty of ice art makes winter most pleasant!
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Comment by montucky — February 14, 2012 @ 12:44 am
These are awesome photos! So clear!
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Comment by Fergiemoto — February 15, 2012 @ 9:28 pm
Thanks! Our air is still very pure here and that comes out in photos.
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Comment by montucky — February 15, 2012 @ 10:42 pm