Enjoying winter in the Flathead

Winter in my native state of Wyoming, where I lived for all but about five years of my life, is often harsh. And I looked forward to what my first winter in the Flathead Valley would be like, in Columbia Falls specifically.

I grew up in north central Wyoming, living my first 18 years in somewhat of a valley — between the Big Horn and Wind River mountain ranges. The elevation in Manderson is 3,890. There are horror stories about Wyoming wind in winter, but I was fortunate enough to avoid it — for the most part — where I lived. Year after year, I heard how bad the weather and wind was on the sometimes dreaded drive across Wyoming on Interstate 80. Casper is the windy city of the Cowboy state, but blowing and drifting snow on I-80 is much worse.

My most memorable Wyoming winter was in 1975-76. In late December it was 40 below zero for two weeks straight, with a daytime high of only about 20 below. I was living in a mobile home at the time. My water pipes froze, and I had to live with my boss and his family for awhile. People who had tank or block heaters on their vehicles, or kept them in garages, ran. The rest did not.

I remember driving from Riverton to Laramie for a UW basketball game one winter about 15 years ago with my brother, Cory. The weather was pretty bad by the time we got to Rawlins, but we kept on going. After all, the highway wasn't closed — yet. Our top speed was about 35 during most of the journey from Rawlins to Laramie. Visibility was probably only about 100 feet, tops. While Cory drove his Camaro, I leaned out the passenger window and served as his guide, using the reflector posts to keep us on the road. We walked into the Arena Auditorium just as the National Anthem was being sung, in plenty of time for tip-off.

It was one of those trips that should never have been made.

I have been pleasantly surprised by the mild winter we've had so far in the Flathead. I expected about as much snow as we've gotten, but I thought there would be more wind. With the exception of a few days, the weather has been quite pleasant. I like snow, but certainly not wind. I have shoveled more snow this winter than in any previous winter in my lifetime, even when I lived in Wyoming.

For quite a while this winter it was either snowing or overcast. I've been happy to break out the sunglasses the last week or two.

Here we are at the end of February and the temperature has seldom dipped below zero. The coldest part of the winter should be behind us, but we can look forward to more moisture. Just keep the snow in the mountains coming.

In talking to a man on Monday, I mentioned that it's been a good winter, but that we can expect some heavy, wet snow in March and even April. Where I've lived before, trees have taken a beating. Snow laden with moisture can easily take out tree limbs. I've made it a habit of using a broom to knock most of the snow off tree branches as it accumulates, in hopes of saving them. You might keep that in mind when snows come in March and April.

There have been a number of serious wrecks this winter in the Flathead with contributing factors such as icy or slushy roads and low visibility. There are more of those conditions ahead and I want to avoid potential problems on the roadways. I've always been a defensive driver and I'm going to keep that state of mind.

Speaking of winter, I'm going to experience snowshoeing for the first time on Saturday. I'm already making preparations — finding out where I can rent snowshoes. I've even perused a couple of Web sites and have printed out what to do, and not to do, when snowshoeing and how to dress. I'm advised not to try to step backwards; that will likely put me on my backside. They say to walk forward in a small circle when you want to turn around. I plan to take ski poles for a little help and some balance. It will be an adventure, but I'm sure I'll enjoy the great outdoors.

What I'm not looking forward to is trying to get out of bed on Sunday. Maybe I can roll out of bed and crawl around the house until my soreness subsides and I'm able to walk. Ah, the fun of recreation!

Joe Sova is managing editor of the Hungry Horse News.