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2006-03-02 11:15:00.000 – Neil Lareau,  Observer

Looking along the ridge crest to the north it is evident the degree to which wind defines this landscape. The windward side of the ridge appears to be largely exposed black and grey felsenmere (sea of shattered rock) highlighted with patches of snow and ice. The leeward aspects are bright white pillows of wind deposited snow. Trees and rock faces alike are being continually buried on these slopes, and they now look soft and inviting, at least from a distance of a mile away.

The sky for the past four days has been a cloud enthusiasts dream come true. Stratified moist air being lifted across the barrier of the mountains has allowed for daily displays of orographic clouds. Sometimes in the form of well shaped lenticulars and alternately as extruded sheets and waves, these quasi-stationary formations have been other worldly. Upon close inspection these cloudscapes are extremely dynamic often morphing rapidly as the wind-flow across the range ripples through phases of constructive and destructive interference. The granite and schist landscape below has seemed comparatively static.

The clouds are somewhat less sensational today as windspeeds, and thus the lift over the mountains, have subsided. Winds are expected to ramp up again tomorrow afternoon and with continued moisture in place be sure to look skyward.

Neil Lareau,  Observer