Daylight gained in Eau Claire, WI since Dec. 21st

The weather forecast is something I always try to be optimistic about.  Sure, there are some days, usually when severe weather threatens, that I have to present information in a firm and serious tone.  But 95% of the time, I can’t help but smile at the sun icon for the upcoming Friday, or the gradual warming trend over the week.

Still, this time of year, it can be hard to be optimistic.  While we do live in Wisconsin, a land that experiences cold and snow every winter, most of us reach a point during the winer season when we say “enough is enough.”  Personally, I enjoy snow, but I also start looking forward to summer, now four months away.  It’s hard to ignore the impending snow, ice, slush, late season flurries and overnight frosts.

But let’s look at this time of year with the ”glass half-full approach.”  There are many wonderful things about this time of year, and actually, one could argue this is the best time of the year!  For one, we are gaining about three to four minutes of daylight each day.  Since the winter soltice on December 21st, the shortest daylight of the year, we have added more than 90 minutes of daylight.  That’s 90 minutes of opportunity to talk a walk, shovel snow, or soak up a little Vitamin D when the weather is nice.  Also, the first day of spring is a little more than one month away, 36 days from Valentine’s Day.  Finally, let’s not forget about daylight saving time; we will “spring ahead” one hour on Sunday, March 10th, meaning more daylight to enjoy in the evening.

So yes, the holidays are long gone, there’s not much going on and the weather is cold.  I say it’s a great time to kick back and relax, and rest up for the following months of 2013.  As you know, the days will seem to go faster and faster once the trees start to green!

Thanks for reading and stay tuned for more from Beyond the Forecast…

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather, Weblogs

As you know, salt is a life saver during the snowy months.  For most of us, the reason is self-explanatory: it helps clear up the ice, making way for safer travel by vehicle or by foot.

But salt doesn’t always work.  In fact, there are a few times during the year road crews will stop spreading salt and will start using sand.  Of course, the switch only goes so far.  The roads are still in rough traveling shape, because no matter how much sand is dispersed, the ice is always present.

So why does salt not always work?  Well, salt doesn’t melt ice through some kind of special chemical reaction.  Salt, or sodium chloride as it’s known as a chemical compound, lowers the freezing point of water, from 32°F to near 0°F.  When tossed onto ice, the melting process begins immediately.  At first, a layer of water forms around the salt crystals.  Over time, the salt slowly dissolves into the water, creating a saltwater solution.  This increases the rate of melting.  In other words, once you spread salt, the process just kind of snowballs until the ice is gone.

There are a few products for sale that lower the freezing point of water colder than 0F.  Some communities and private organizations have used these products, and there’s been a lot of success.  However, it you’re a county or city on a tight budget, the goal is the most bang for your buck.  You never know how much snow will fall, or if old man winter will take a spring vacation to the Midwest.

So, when you head out and the temperture is below zero, especially after a snow storm, know that there’s going to be a lot of ice on the roads.  Thankfully, the ice won’t be as slippery compared to when it’s warmer outside.  That’s a topic for another blog post coming up later this winter.

Check out this video: Salt vs. Bitter-cold.  A blast from the past, from my first time working at WQOW!  This story aired on January 18, 2008.  The expertise is provided by Mike Barnhardt, Street Maintenance Manager, now retired.  I was only four months on the job…you’ll notice I may be a little green yet!   But the point remains the same.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!  Stay tuned for more from Beyond the Forecast…

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather

I  just learned a neat fact today.  Did you know last winter $2.1 billion was spent on tourism?**  Yes, billion with a “B”.  It’s a bigger number than I would have guessed!  Now, break that number down over the season, and on average, tourists spent about $20 million per day.  Wow!  Last season, that kind of green during a period of white certainly put a smile on many business that depend on winter tourism.

I’ll admit: I like mild weather, but I love the snow too.  However, after a few cold and snowy winters, I thought the recent mild patterns were a nice change of pace.  Unfortunately, my thoughts aren’t exactly helpful to businesses that depend on winter tourism.  When I look outside the window (blog post written pre-snowfall), I don’t really think of winter.  I think of spring, and spring activities like jogging, biking, prepping the garden, etc.  I’m sure many of you think of spring too.  Yes, the physical lack of snow has hit some winter recreation businesses hard.  But one has to admit the brown ground doesn’t help the mood!  Many businesses are open, pleading with people to come enjoy what they have to offer.

View from Christie Mountain near Bruce, WI (1/11/2012)

Let me give you a real life example.  My uncle, a ski instructor at a ski hill in northwest Wisconsin, wrote me an email, telling me they were open for business.  A paraphrased version, here’s what he wrote:

 “We are 100% open to skiing, snowboarding, and snowtubing!  Also, the crosscounty skiers are using the 12 miles of trail that is north of the hill.  So pass this on to whoever needs to see it.  It would make a great story on the nightly news that “YES” we still have winter.  Send them up!”

His ski hill, like most, makes their own snow.  In fact, the latest report states a 22″ base will all lifts running and nearly all trails open.  You could never guess that just by looking outside. 

There’s plenty of natural snow in Wisconsin too; you just have to know where to find it.  Since December 1st, Eau Claire has only received 7.7″ of snow.  Did you know in the same time frame, Hurley, WI has accumulated 30.0″?  Neighbor Eagle River hasn’t done too bad too, though much less – 16.5″.  Of course, these two locations are in far northern Wisconsin, in the Lake Superior snowbelt.  They typically receive 55″ to 65″ per year, about half credited to lake-effect snow.

Most Ski Hills in Good Shape in Wisconsin --- Image Courtesy: Wisconsin Dept. of Tourism

I had a nice phone conversation with a representative from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism this morning.  She told me they are “not too worried yet,” and that the tourism industry in Wisconsin is quite resilient.  She stated many small businesses have done a good job adapting to mild and dry weather streaks, offering additional products or unique promotions.  She said it’s the hotels, restaurants, snack shops – businesses of that nature – that have taken the biggest hit.  Think of it…if you’re a skier and you stop for snacks along the way or to gas up…it makes a difference!

Now, to find those snowshoes…looks like I’ll have to get the ladder!  Thanks for reading and safe travels tonight and tomorrow.  The roads will be icy.  Stay tuned for more from Beyond the Forecast…

**Figure provided by Wisconsin Department of Tourism

Posted under Hometown Weather, Weather