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.