Snowy situations

By: Brad Tripp

 

Every winter, someplace in the world is hit with some sort of serious precipitation. This precipitation freezes, either before it hits the ground or after it lands, which makes ice or snow. This ice and snow incapacitates us from doing normal things, such as running or driving, and in some instances, even walking. The ice and snow, while beautiful, can be very deadly in the wrong situation. Every year there are instances where someone wrecks, gets stuck or is trapped due to snow and ice.

In recent news, a landslide closed many roads in Valemount, British Columbia with no detours available. In other news, four men were caught in an avalanche in Colorado. Out of the four caught in the avalanche, the grandson of the Vail Ski Mecca’s (a rather large ski resort in Colorado) cofounder died in the avalanche while skiing that day. This (along with getting trapped in your car) may not seem possible, but it is very possible, especially during the winter season.

Every year many get trapped or find themselves in a dangerous situation around their car, due to snow pile up or the fact that there is nowhere close to go and they are stuck with no help nearby. The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends clearing snow and debris from not only your car’s windshield, but behind and near the tailpipe. If snow builds up near the tailpipe it can trap carbon monoxide that can make its way inside the car and has the potential to do harmful things. 

Getting stuck in the snow can be a catastrophic, even life threating, situation. There are some tips to help if ever you get stuck in snow with nowhere to turn. According to booneyliving.com, you should always carry a shovel and a keep a bag of sand (or cat litter) in the trunk during winter months. A shovel will help to clear away snow and the sand is to gain traction (once sprinkled under a tire). If you do end up stuck, another tip they include is to try and rock the car, which can help gain traction, but should never be done too much, because it can make a bigger problem than you’re already in. Above all, they recommend that you stay calm.

So, what if you get yourself unstuck and make it to the ski resort only to be trapped by an avalanche? What are some things you can do escape if caught in a giant pile of snow? According to the Canadian Avalanche Centre, if you are caught in an avalanche try calling out for help, or try a quick escape to the side. Another thing is to remove any ski equipment; it can keep you from escaping if you become trapped. If you are caught in or buried by the snow, try kicking or digging your way to the top. The longer you are encased in snow, the more chance hypothermia has to set in. All in all, don’t give up if you’re caught by the snow; just try to be prepared for a variety of situations.





What weather will this winter bring?

 

 

By: Peter Lewis

 

 

 

Mid October this year saw unusually cold weather and some dreary days of rain. With Daylight Saving Time pushing the clocks back an hour, we were not just reminded of the approaching holidays, but that winter was close at hand.  Most people wonder what each winter will bring; in this case, snow, and how much will fall. The past three years were very different than what  typically occurs. The 2010-2011 school year had a massive fourteen snow days throughout a winter that became an unbelievable nuisance.  The 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 school years, however, saw a reasonable amount of less than five snow days in each year. The question now becomes, what does the 2013-2014 winter hold for the Fox C-6 District? 

Many sources have been studying the weather patterns and have made their predictions for what is in store from now until the end of winter.  The most notable of these, The Farmer’s Almanac, which is usually a very reliable source, predicts the Midwest will have colder temperatures than usual, with the coldest periods from late December to late January.  While the Almanac was very accurate in predicting rain and cold to start out November, its prediction of flurries fell flat in our area, but was very accurate up north in Iowa.  Its next predicted time frame for snow is late December, mid- January, and throughout February; as for how much snow could fall, the Almanac suggests Jefferson County will receive above normal snowfall in this time period.  Throughout the United States’ history, the Almanac has been very reliable and surprisingly accurate at times; from this we can say five snow days may be a lock at this point.  However, the Almanac isn’t the only source making predictions. There are others that offer even bigger predictions for the fast approaching winter. 

The National Weather Service and NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,  have agreed with the Almanac, saying we should expect below or normal temperatures and possible above normal precipitation.  Live Weather’s Meteorologist, Rob Guarino, says computer models predict El Nino, a reoccurring weather event, will come to the St. Louis area and that has the possibility of causing temperatures being slightly below normal, more rain than snow most times, but an increased chance of winter storms.  February has a chance to have a storm dump eight inches of snow and this winter could produce more ice than normal.  Like the Almanac, Live Weather agrees that February will be the snowiest month this year.  The Weather Centre has predicted this winter will put the St. Louis area on the border of above normal and high threat of a blizzard forming, as well as frigid temperature predictions, above normal precipitation, and snowy weather likely to occur. This is based on multiple studies, past history, and the current weather occurrences going on now and from the past few months. 

From what others in the field are saying, this coming winter looks promising if you like snow days.  However, always be aware that snow days are no longer built in to the Fox C-6 schedule, so it’s alright to hope for some, but not too much, if you want to get out of school before June.