Winters in the Cascades
Winters in the Cascade Mountains can be mild rains to severe snow and ice storms. Below are pictures from just one ice storm in 2012 that broke trees, flooded lowlands and put some people out of power for weeks. Winters definitely have their gorgeous moments too. There is beautiful scenery everywhere and miles of cross country skiing out your doorstep. One could also drive to Mt. Hood for outstanding alpine skiing with sunshine and blue skies.
We have wood for heat and propane for cooking, so being without electricity in winter is not that big of a deal if you're used to country living. We want you to see how bad it can get, so there won't be any surprises. Admittedly, this was one of the worst storms, but it can happen again and most likely will some day. Are you okay with this?
We have wood for heat and propane for cooking, so being without electricity in winter is not that big of a deal if you're used to country living. We want you to see how bad it can get, so there won't be any surprises. Admittedly, this was one of the worst storms, but it can happen again and most likely will some day. Are you okay with this?
The water wheel froze up with ice. When this happens, you have to change the direction of the water in the irrigation ditch to not go down the flume until the temperature warms up again. We should have the water wheel generating about 100 watts this year if I can get the mechanics worked out.
This tree has now been cut down and is no longer a threat to the roof. What a mess to clean up. Can you say "cut and haul????"
This storm completely blocked the driveway. Shoveling snow and clearing after storms is regular life in the mountains. Before you even start clearing the debris, you go out and see that your neighbors are safe and warm. The people in this community pitch in to help each other. We like that about this place.
Can you run a chainsaw? Ready to drive a tractor? Ready to help your neighbors?
Can you run a chainsaw? Ready to drive a tractor? Ready to help your neighbors?
Cats always know what to do when it's stormy outside!
Now, you can't say we didn't tell you. The mountains are very rewarding and beautiful but you have to be prepared.
Sometimes the north creek that runs in back of the chicken coop freezes up. If it does freeze, we provide the chickens with water from the house.