Winter in North Idaho

January/February Tends To Be The Hardest Part Of Winter

Winter in North Idaho this year is reminiscent of one we had many years ago, during which I shoveled the roof of the shop building for the first and only time during my tenure in North Idaho. That year the snow was nearly four feet thick on the roof of the shop and I was concerned about the weight crushing the roof. It took me most of the day, but I finally got it done, and because there was so much snow all I needed do was step off the roof onto the snow pile. Sadly I lost the pics due to a hard disc failure.

This year is a bit reminiscent of that winter because I had to plow the snow twice in one day (rare) due to the volume of snow, but also due to the snow consistency. Let the snow become too heavy and even the chained tractor does not do well. These days I like to avoid using chains because they damage the driveway.

It sure is nice though, to have an enclosed cab to keep warm as I age. I used to plow with an old rusty 4-Runner which worked fine, but because visibility was so poor, one time I almost hit the garage. Visibility with the JD 3320 is excellent.

Is it hoar frost or rime ice?

One of the last pictures taken today is the one from 9-ish in the morning, and features the frost on the trees and bushes. We’ve always called everything like that hoar frost, but I learned today that it might be rime frost. The distinction between the two is subtle, and is basically due to the cause, sublimation or freezing fog.

In any case, winter in North Idaho is a perfect time to be inside enjoying a warm fire with friends, family or even better, your sweetheart. Having hot coffee/peppermint hot chocolate while gazing out the windows just being lazy is a perfect retirement day.

Here is another way to spend time in winter: Nordic Skiing at Farragut

Check this link describing the difference between Rime ice and Hoar frost