Today was what I refer to as a squally day. These days are without question my favorite weather days in Montana because the endless big sky, that Montana is famous for, creates the perfect stage for the weather drama to unfold upon. Squally days are always windy…a chilly, often icy wind that vacillates between blowing gently and persistently, to roaring in ferociously as soon as you become complacent. A meteorologist would describe these days as unsettled weather patterns; a low pressure front pushing up against a high pressure front. They are weather patterns that are probably not uncommon elsewhere in the country but the mountainous terrain of Western Montana creates such drama and turbulence, that it adds a mind-blowing picturesque backdrop to the weather’s play. The clouds move fast on these days, whipped from the cotton balls we all drew as children to wispy, tortured vessels of moisture that trail rain or snow like dewy veils from their pregnant under-bellies.
Squall over the Sapphires
Between the clouds, the impossibly clear blue sky allows the sun to paint the world below with amazing light. It dances over verdant foothills and meadows making the tortured clouds look even darker and more menacing. The wind whipped clouds chase the sun spots so they race along the earth, illuminating everything in its path and then abandoning it back to shadow when the clouds triumph. The sun can be deceiving as it hits you, bringing its benevolent warmth and taming the relentless wind, but when the clouds chase out the sun, it feels cold and raw. The clouds and wind punish you for enjoying the brief respite by driving rain or snow to the valley in cold, and often violent, sheets.
Blodgett Canyon in the Bitterroot Range
When I look to the mountains, they are ever-changing. One canyon will be glowing in the golden sunshine, a slice of heaven beckoning a welcome from the raging battle overhead. The neighboring canyon will be either obscured by a snow or rain squall that drops like a curtain over the entrance cutting off all visibility to the mountains beyond. Occasionally the storms will drive from the canyon and sweep the valley below, bringing much appreciated moisture. The dynamic views and ever-changing light create a landscape that I will never tire of. No view is the same and the minute to minute changes constantly captivate me with Nature’s strength, beauty and power. The Big Sky country… I am so lucky to be in its audience.
reflectionsfrommontana 