The area around Lac des Roches has seen significant snowfall this year, and the snow continues to pile up on structures and trees. Driving 15 minutes along the highway either east or west will reveal a significant reduction of snow pack. If it looks like we are getting a little more than our share of snow…we are! The heavy buildup of snow combined with cold temperatures has resulted in minor damage in the area to personal property and the forest. Bent tree tops are breaking off due to the excessive weight of the snow. Where rain and light snow has previously slid off or been blown off structures, the weight of the snow has changed a dome-shaped roof on a truck canopy to a bowl-shaped top and bent the canopy frame for at least one boat stored nearby. Roof and wall vents have plugged up with ice, keeping plumbing and exhaust systems from working properly. This is definitely a year to be thankful for our year-round neighbours and local caretakers who keep a watchful eye on properties.
Snow and water
Under the snow on the lake, there are many areas where deep slush has accumulating on top of the ice. Snowmobilers will often find their machines bogged down and stuck in the deep slush. While skiers and trekkers can get wet and discouraged, they can also find themselves stuck to the extent that the slush will react like quicksand or Cariboo mud when trying to get free. Although the lake ice is still thick and solid, these slushy patches can appear without notice as the water seeps up the cracks and should be expected everywhere, especially in bays or sheltered areas where the snow has blown in.
Games impact area
The Navy Dive Team cancelled this years training exercise under the ice on Little Lac des Roches, citing an Olympic preparation event as the reason. The impact of the 2010 games is apparently going to be far-reaching for a long time, even to our little corner of the Cariboo.
Moose Movements
Thanks to resident Wendy Marshall for alerting me to the cow and calf moose that crossed the lake near Rock Island last week. As mentioned in the last column, these, and most of the other common wild critters, have been quite elusive this winter but, as predicted, the phones were busy last Wednesday when residents were eager to share their sighting information. I only hope they come back to the north shore of the lake this winter as they haven’t nibbled or pruned all of our lakeside alder trees yet!