PHOTO ESSAY: Surprise Salida Snowstorm Goes On and On and On

So much for Salida being in the rain shadow of the mountain ranges – the Sangres and the Sawatch – that surround it.

The snow shovel was put away. As were the snow boots and warm hat, scarf, and gloves. It was in the 70s a few days ago. Spring had sprung. The proof was in the abundant blooms on trees and in flower beds.

Even Monarch Ski Area has been put away until next season. What a shame.

It began snowing sometime early Wednesday morning well before dawn, and literally hasn’t stopped since.

It’s Friday afternoon now. April 17, 2015. Last night the electricity went off, then on, at least three times. As I sit here writing, the electricity in my humble abode is out again. Xcel Energy estimates it will be out for four hours. Their phone message relayed that 2,216 customers are affected by this power outage.

I tried taking Bodie for a walk, but the snow was two inches over my snow boots, and he was hobbling around, so we turned around after a block and played in the backyard a bit.

I just spoke to my neighbor Jay Moore, and he said he measured 18 inches in his backyard.

Meanwhile, wife Marilyn shovels the front sidewalk….

Later, warm and dry inside, Bodie rests comfortably in his chair.

We are so grateful for this precious precipitation, delivered to us so beautifully. I’m probably not speaking for Xcel.

Eat your heart out, Pagosa Springs. I hear you haven’t had a drop of moisture. My condolences.