Wind

Alaska is having close to record snowfall this year.  It hasn't snowed for almost a week now, though, and that usually means one of two things for us in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley; either it gets very clear and very cold, or it warms up a bit and the winds come.  Before we moved here, the realtor told us some things to consider when looking at houses in this particular area and wind was one of them.  We sort of brushed it off as something minor, but let me tell you, Alaska doesn't fool around when it comes to weather.  We found that out last winter when we had back to back wind storms of sustained 60+ mph winds with gusts up to 80 and 90+ mph.  We are getting them again this winter, though we haven't gotten as many yet, but they last for days and drift the snow something awful!  It makes you shrivel up when you walk outside because the wind chill can be quite severe.  The road going out to our neighborhood passes by an open field area looking toward the mountains (where the winds usually come from), and I remember first driving out it and wondering about the sign that said "in case of blowing snow, use alternate route."  The snow really drifts badly across that area.  


This weekend, there is forecasted to be a spectacular Auroral display.  Uncle Larry and Aunt Holly, you guys may want to keep an eye out as you are far enough north that you should be able to see it fairly well if it's clear out.  It's supposed to be visible as far south as Chicago and Cleveland due to the arrival of a solar flare from about a week ago.  Of course, it is supposed to start getting cloudy here as of tomorrow night, but I'm hoping the clouds will hold off so we can see something.  My camera is in sore need of a sensor cleaning, but I plan to take some pictures anyway and hope I can edit any nasty dust spots out.  I suppose that's all for now.  Hope everyone is having a good year so far!