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October in the East Kootenay
October is always one of the prettiest months of the year in the East Kootenay.
From the myriad of deciduous trees changing colours to the shining, stirring yellow streaks and dapples created on the mountainsides from larch trees, it is a truly special time.
October 2011 tended to be pretty nice in the region, with plenty of sunny days and not too much cold. Snow fell a wee bit here and there but most communities dodged early dollops. Of course, Highway 93 through Kootenay National Park was once again the place one could catch the earliest glimpses of winter’s encroachment.
Pictured in this photo tour are Elkford, Fernie, Sparwood, Hosmer, Fort Steele, Wycliffe, St. Mary’s Indian Band, Radium Hot Springs and areas.
The first two weeks of November will be a dog’s breakfast of mixed sun and cloud with chances of rain and snow (on Nov. 3, 8-11, 13 and 15th). Temperatures are expected to range from -8C to +5C. However, valley areas could expect slightly higher daily highs, while higher elevations can expect lower temps.
According to the 2012 Farmers’ Almanac, the province’s long-range forecast (November 2011 to October 2012) is this: “Winter temperatures will be a bit below normal in the north and a bit above in the south, with the coldest periods in late December, mid- and late February, and early March. Precipitation will be above normal, with snowfall above normal in the north and below normal in the south. The heaviest snowfalls will occur in late November, late December, and early March.
“April and May will be cooler and drier than normal.
“Summer will be warmer and drier than normal, on average, with the hottest temperatures in late June, early to mid-August, and mid- to late August.
“September and October will be warmer than normal, with precipitation above normal near the coast and near normal inland.”
Ian Cobb/e-KNOW
