Snowy days in Boulder

Though it's been unusually warm lately, there's sure to be more snow before long (in fact, it's a possibility in the forecast for this Sunday), so I thought I'd take a moment to talk about this winter.

Back at the end of December, we'd only seen the slightest hint of snowflakes. In fact, it was estimated that we only received 3.1 inches of snow in all of September, October, November, and December... until one storm after Christmas, that dropped 6 inches. Had it not been for this last storm, we would have made it in the record books. If you're interested, you can check out recorded snowfalls from past months and years here. A storm in early January -- just in time for the start of the new semester -- nearly doubled our snow totals from October-December in 2010.

On top of the multiple snowstorms we've walked through to get to class so far this semester, we also faced frigid and subzero temperatures over multiple days and weeks. Amazingly, back on February 7th, the temperature was 40 degrees at 5pm, but by that same time Tuesday, it was only 3 degrees! Interestingly, this won't be a record because of a technicality in the way official records are measured... the day will go down in the 40s!

Also worth noting from this winter is a new law regarding shoveling snow off public sidewalks. If you happen to live off-campus and this applies to you, the new rule says that you must shovel 24 hours after the storm stops. The city names the stop time for the storm and "due date" for shoveling, so keep an eye on bouldercolorado.gov to know when to get your sidewalks clear. Not shoveling can result in a $100 fine the first offense (and then $500 for a second offense in two years, and $1000 after that!)

Well, that's it from me. I'm certainly looking forward to the coming of Spring, but if we do get more snow, I hope you stay warm!

Winter Wonderland

Written today at 2:30 pm...

If I haven't said it already on this blog, welcome to Boulder... home of the freakish snowstorms that hit before Halloween. CU Students, I hope you all are enjoying your partial snow day and *fingers crossed* we'll have a lovely day off tomorrow.

I'm sitting here in my room, being slowly trapped in the building by several feet of snow, cranking up the Christmas music (I know, I know, it's early for that, but I couldn't resist), sipping hot tea... and, yeah, it's only the end of October. This storm has managed to surprise me quite a bit - there have been many years where we have had snow storms before November, but I don't remember any with quite the umph that this one has.

Anyway, I thought I'd take a moment to talk a bit about weather survival tips at CU, an in Boulder in general:

1. Never underestimate the weirdness of our weather. I have personally seen it go from 60 degrees and sunny to 25 degrees and blizzard-ing in a few HOURS, let alone a few days.

2. Always carry an umbrella. Getting soaked is the worst, particularly if you have to sit in class with damp jeans and dripping hair. There's just no need; buy a small pocket or travel umbrella and keep it around when you go out.

3. Buy and USE gloves and a hat. This might sound motherly, but people who complain about being cold and don't dress properly kind of annoy me. Cold hands and ears are awful, so buy a fuzzy set and bundle up. You'll be glad you have them.

4. Get shoes with good soles. Whatever works for you is fine, but it often rains before it snows, which - voila! - means lots of ice. No one wants to deal with a broken bone, and though you think you have a sturdy step, it only takes one patch of black ice for you to hit the pavement.

5. And don't forget the marshmallows... It's that hot chocolate/ tea / hot drink time of year, stock up!

Anyone have any fun snow or snow day related stories to share?

Stay warm, Boulderites! :)

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