Wednesday, 18 July 2012

Force of Nature

While earthquakes and hurricanes wreak havoc elsewhere, avalanches and landslides are the concern of mountain dwellers.  Massive landslides this week in the Kootenay communities of Johnsons Landing and Fairmont Hot Springs are reminders that these dangers lurk close to home.  Lazy mountain streams become torrents with the lethal combination of snowmelts and rainfall. When unsteady slopes become saturated, earth moves.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJUTNR6_fnk

Mudslides are not the only consequence of liquid sunshine. Five inches of rain within a one hour period yesterday caused a flash flood in Nelson, reminiscent of Bangkok monsoons.  
http://www.castanet.net/news/BC/78039/Nelson-and-Castlegar-flood 

Revelstoke airport, October 8, 2011

Revelstoke airport July 5, 2012
June was the wettest month on record in Castlegar, our nearest met centre.  In Revelstoke, our nearest fuel centrre, 146 mm of rain was recorded - 2 1/2 times the June average of 68 mm.  See what a difference this made in the height of the Columbia River at Revelstoke.  These photos were taken nine months apart, at opposite approaches to the runway. 


All this water will run 'downhill' to the U.S., but in the meantime our usual terrain looks a little off-kilter.


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2 comments:

  1. Kirk Davis19 July 2012 at 16:35

    Hi Jill, This blog is a great idea. We will look forward to reading instalments as time goes along. Should help us feel like back seat passengers on your air travel adventures. Are we there yet? -- k.

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    Replies
    1. Jill19 July 2012 at 19:53

      With the powerful new engine we can actually have backseat passengers - without insisting they get on the scale! We hope to take you and Marlyn up the next time you are in the Kootenays.

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