March in Colorado can be a contrast of seasons for sure. One may think Spring – but March is actually our snowiest month of the year. Over time, you learn the seasonal weather personalities of your given location. They are aspects the locals know – like San Diego’s “May Grey” and “June Gloom”. Despite popular belief San Diego is NOT sunny all the time. And I know cuz I lived there for 16 years!
The climate is rapidly changing (and not for the good). Climate change deniers have no place here as man IS negatively affecting the climate. That being said, March is a bit of a weather roller coaster in Colorado. And it’s not uncommon to receive feet of snow during a spring storm. The March 2003 snow storm was a doozy!
The close to ground “early-riser” flowers bravely come to life as in the photos below. Only to be thwarted by a major snow storm a couple of days later.
A Powerful March Snow Storm
Predicting the weather in these parts can be tricky for weathermen. And you never know if all the hype will pan out when they say a major snow storm is coming. But this one did pan out – much to my delight! Waking up to at least 8 inches of snow with more coming had me layering up and out the door with camera in hand.
Loving the fact that it’s not necessary to drive to get to the greenbelt is a perk of my current location. But given the amount of wet snow that had already fallen, navigating some big, slushy puddles was challenging. Thank goodness for waterproof boots because I needed them!
It was snowing pretty hard and capturing photos of the beautiful snowy landscape was tricky. Juggling either my phone or camera was literally a handful. Thankfully it was not terribly cold and I had dressed appropriately – snow pants included. Trying to keep my camera dry with the big flakes falling around me had its moments. And my phone camera, well it was having none of the snowy elements and rebelled after a few photos.
It was so white from the falling snow the photos almost appear to have been shot in black and white – but they were not. I have no complaints as I believe I was able to come away with some good shots. From snow-covered trees who’s branches look like abstract arteries, to an “over the river and through the woods” photo that made me feel like I was off to grandma’s house. Yay snow!
March May Be Snowy, But Nature is Resilient!
Being outside during these snowy events makes me feel alive and present in the here and now. These seasonal weather contrasts really are magical. Not to mention, you work up quite an appetite after wandering around in the snow for hours taking photos.
I did feel for my little flowering friends at the xeriscape gardens. But if I’ve learned anything, March may be snowy, but they are small, mighty and resilient. Photographing such moments only days apart is fascinating. This contrast of seasons makes you appreciate how incredible Nature is – even down to the tiniest flower 🙂