Yikes.
I don’t know about you but I always forget quite what it’s like when the deep cold hits.
Frosty fingers, nose icicles, frozen hair and that chill you can’t quite shake.
This week has certainly been a cold one with -45 degree celsius lows and wind chills making it feel even colder.
Environment Canada issued frostbite warnings on the -30C and below days, Sunday to today (Thursday), and Marmot Basin was forced to close on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday due to the temperature.
That’s when you know it’s cold.
For me, this weather means hibernation.
I read this week that in a wind chill of -27C frostbite can occur on exposed skin in less than 30 minutes - so my best way to avoid freezing fingers is to stay indoors as much as I possibly can.
But that’s not for everyone.
In Jasper we have those outdoors types who are not put off by the deep chill and will strap on their skis or snowshoes whatever the weather, ready for an adventure.
But if you’re heading out, be safe.
Limit your time in extreme weather and know what’s coming. Wear layers of loose, warm clothing and wear undergarments that wick moisture away from your skin.
Watch for signs of frostbite (red or pale skin, prickling and numbness) and keep moving to keep the blood flowing.
This middle part of the month may be all about the cold but the start of January was snow, snow, snow.
Since January 1, the Jasper townsite has seen at least 25 centimetres of snow and some areas of the park have piled up more than 60 centimetres.
It’s a real winter wonderland out on the trails - but the town is looking great.
This winter the municipal council is trialling a new loader-mounted snow blower to remove snow from town streets and it is proving way more efficient than the old system.
I, for one, am very impressed. The roads are smooth, even back alleys are level and easy to walk and drive along.
Thank you Operations department for doing such a thorough job these past few weeks!
Fuchsia Dragon
