08 October 2009

Skywatch Friday: First Snow

Butte America's first snowfall usually comes in early September in Montana at 6,000 feet above sea level. The new snow seldom lasts as sunny warm days come and go, interspersed with snowstorms until we settle into true winter from late-November to early-March. This year our first snow held out until this past week. Combined with daytime highs in the 20s deg F and overnight lows of 0 or colder, it feels like winter! Not a bad thing for an EcoRoving elk hunter and skier, but a shock nonetheless.

During the snowstorm--Big Butte, the town's landmark hill:


The morning after, looking south to the Highland Mountains (with fall aspen colors on Timber Butte in lower right):


And looking west to the Pintler Range:



18 comments:

Linda Jacobs said...

Brrr!

But beautiful photos!

Sylvia K said...

Brrrrr is right! But so beautiful! Marvelous captures! And they do bring memories as I raised my family in Montana. Still miss it!

Have a great weekend!

Sylvia

Quiet Paths said...

Gorgeous ER. I am in for a shock tonight, I think as that cold front moves down on top of us. I really am shivering because of your top photo.

Anonymous said...

Hey, it looks like winter, too! Beautiful though.

Janie said...

Beautiful first snowfall! I hope it brings the big game down for your ecoroving hunt.

Maria said...

Hi! I have to tell you... I enlarged the first photo and just enjoyed it for a while... how majestic the evergreens are decorated with the snow... and Big Butte in the background... very nice ER!

Happy Weekend Wanderings &
keep warm ~ Maria

Gaelyn said...

Wow, all beautiful captures of the sky and warm colors on the snow. Too cold for me.

eileeninmd said...

It does look cold, but so beautiful too. The mountains looks so pretty covered with snow. Thanks for sharing.

Secret Mom Thoughts said...

Cold already. Nice shots.

pantteri, Finland said...

Beautiful!

Loran said...

Beautiful to see from the comfort of my nice warm house!

Jenn Jilks said...

Winter, bring it on!!!!

Arija said...

Wonderful mountain magic, the first snowfall is always a Zen experience,,,for me anyway.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

I cannot wrap my mind around snow like that in October. WOW!!!! I love snow--but if we get much here, it's usually in Jan/Feb. WOW--that is gorgeous. Love all of those pictures.
Betsy

Judy said...

The snow on the trees is so pretty!! Much as I am not looking forward to having the white stuff here!

CountryDreaming said...

Beauty comes to the high country ... Love all the shots! It IS strange how the timing of the seasons seems a bit confused this year. I've been noticing Monarchs still around even up to about a week ago. The fall foliage however seems pretty much on track, which is a good thing.

secret agent woman said...

Brrr - beautiful but too cold.

Editor said...

hi,
time to send me a new pic of you for the Deer Camp Blog Christmas Card.
Rex