Chinook Winds

Chinook winds, or Chinooks are found in the western area of North America, where the prairies and great plains meet mountain ranges. While it is the name of a People where the name was first derived, it has been claimed by folk usage and is said to mean 'ice eater' - which is a great name for it. Those winds can make a foot of snow vanish in a day, easily; using a combination of melting and evaporating. The temperature can also drastically change.

According to records, the greatest change within a 24 hour period due to Chinook winds was recorded in Loma, Montana. The temperature went from -48º to 9º Celsius (-54º to 49º Farenheit). This brings welcome signs of Spring, but sadly, it is all a false alarm. Winter will return sooner than not, with more freezing temperatures and more of that lousy white stuff!

Chinook winds are more prevalent over southern Alberta, in a belt from Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass through Lethbridge. They are averaging 30-35 Chinook days a year, which makes that the most desirable area of Alberta to be living in! Luckily I'm on the verge and get to enjoy the bonuses, here, too.

These winds can also gust in excess of 120km/h (75 mph), which is considered hurricane force. Personally, I love the strong winds, and miss the wind storms that are prevalent on the West Coast! However, it can make for a royal bloody mess here. Trains get derailed, empty semi's have been blown over by strong sudden gusts. If the snow hasn't melted, look out, the entire road can vanish in a white out.

So, while bringing a welcome respite from the harsh temperatures and insanity triggering whiteness of the never ending snow, the Chinook does have it's downsides, as well. 

I discovered some fascinating lore while hunting about on DuckDuckGo...

Native legend talles of a girl named Chinook-Wind, who married Glacier and moved to his country. Somewhere in the area of Birkenhead River. but Chinook-Wind pined for her warm sea-home in the southwest (somewhat similar to myself pining for Vancouver Island), and she sent a message to her people. Her people sent her an answer, they came to her in the vision of snowflakes and told her they would come to get her. In large numbers her people came to take her home, but they quarreled with Glacier who did not want to let his woman go. In the end, Chinook-Wind's people were able to overpower Glacier and they took her home.

A parable to weather patterns? Simple family history? One will never know, will they?!