The weather has been so nice lately (as of Sunday, Jan 20) that I decided I should get up early and go skiing. I was thinking about trying to spot some northern lights but then noticed that the moon would be setting a little before the sun came up. That was enough incentive for me to get up at 3:40am and start skiing up the mountain a little later. In this photo, the moon is setting beyond Fredrick Sound.
The horizon was filled with soft colors in every direction.
Looking down toward the North Wrangell High Country Shelter. Can you spot it?
Just another lovely scene. Part of the reward for a nice long hike.
Nice work. You're fortunate to live and participate in a beautiful place.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the weather dynamic that allows so much snow at the mountain tops while lower elevations have little visible snow?
Doug in Atlanta
Thank you Doug. I consider myself fortunate that I have had the opportunity to live and work in this area.
ReplyDeleteYour question has a two part answer.
The first part is due to the standard atmospheric temperature gradient. For every 1000 feet of elevation gained under normal atmospheric conditions, the temperature drops 3.57 degrees F. This holds true to about 30,000 feet. Since the climate here is relatively warm at sea level, we get a lot of 33 to 37 degree rain in the winter, this translates to large amounts of snow at higher elevations.
The second part is that it only appears to be an abrupt change. Below the tree line, the tree catch a significant amount of snow but disappears rapidly due to wind blowing the snow off the branches or the snow melting and falling. The snow drops to the ground where it accumulates out of sight. There may be up to 10 feet of snow at the 1500 foot elevation but except where there are gaps in the tree canopy it appears to be lush green forest from a distance.
Take care, Quent
These are all glorious shots. I saw some of them first at Wunderground. Thanks very much for sharing - but you've only yourselves to blame if you start a new stampede of nature loving tourists to Wrangle Island.
ReplyDeleteblackbird of kovelo, if it ever looks like we are responsible for starting a flood of visitors, we'll start posting more of the typical rainy grey days. That is sure to keep the sunshine seeking tourists at bay.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind compliment. I'm glad you enjoy the photos.
-Quent