The Wild Reed: A Snowy Spring Day

Thursday, March 24, 2016

A Snowy Spring Day

Notes the Star Tribune about yesterday's spring snowfall here in the Twin Cities of St. Paul-Minneapolis:

Several inches of snow were piling up Wednesday night in many locations around the southern Twin Cities, while many spots north saw nothing.

The National Weather Service says an estimated 12 inches of snow fell on Savage by early evening Wednesday, before it began to taper off in the south metro. Other reports include 9.5 inches of snow in Burnsville and 9 inches in Prior Lake.

By contrast, as of 7 p.m., 3.7 inches was recorded at the airport, with 3.2 inches at the Weather Service's office in Chanhassen.

In downtown Minneapolis, snow was swirling through the taller buildings late in the afternoon but failing to coat the streets and sidewalks below thanks to temperatures holding above freezing. It stopped downtown in the early evening, and the northern suburbs largely escaped the early spring reminder of Minnesota’s reputation.

By the time this snowstorm is over, up to 14 inches is possible in an area stretching from New Ulm to the southern Twin Cities to Bloomer, Wis.

“Winter is not giving up yet,” meteorologist Lisa Schmit said. “This is nothing record setting, but it’s one people should take note of.”

After a warm March and Tuesday’s highs in the upper 50s in the metro and southern Minnesota, the winter wallop might be a bit hard to stomach. The good news is that it’s March and the snow won’t last long, Schmit said.

“March typically delivers some of our biggest snowfalls,” Schmit said. “This looks to be the last one for the season.”

I live by Minnehaha Creek and its parkway and areas of urban wilderness. As you can see by these photos, the area around my home was transformed into a beautiful "winter wonderland."

At around 1:30 yesterday afternoon, I took a friend's two dogs for a walk. It was during this time walking through my neighborhood with Greta and Edison (left) that I snapped the photos I share in this post.