Saturday November 10
Snow!!!
I had a secret desire while planning
the timing of this residency: seeing Badlands in snow. I'm so
thrilled that I keep grinning despite being alone in my apartment in
the quad. The forecast indicated a possible small amount of snow
amidst dense fog and high winds today. I was watching the radar, and
saw some precipitation moving over the black hills. I got my camera
and snow gear ready, and headed out when the flurries began, around
1pm. I headed west through the park, and by Norbeck Pass the snow
was thick enough on the road that it was becoming rather slick. I
would have loved to continue through the park, but turned around
instead, knowing I had to make it back down the pass. Also the ice
was building on my windows and it was pretty hard to see out. By the
time I got back near the visitor's center at 3pm, the snow, fog, and
wind had reduced visibility such that many of the rock formations had
seemingly disappeared. I hiked around behind the quad taking more
photographs. Sitting in my apartment now, watching snow whirl and
listening to the wind howl. I have seen many snow tornadoes/dust
devils out my window. The snow has built up in a lovely manner
around my door and windows, framing the view. Here are some shots
from the day. Wish I could upload some the videos I took showing the
blustery weather.
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Some of my favorite buttes near the visitor's center. When I came back two hours later, they were completely obscured by the fog and snow. |
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Saddle Pass |
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My faithful car at Norbeck Pass. |
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Panoramic view at Norbeck. |
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Angel Butte from behind the housing area. |
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Snow blowing around the curves of Angel Butte. |