Leaderboard

Wind is the worst. I grew up in northeast Nebraska, which is one of the windiest states in the country. Where I am located in MT (south of Butte in the mountains), I am pretty protected from wind. Butte area is very cold though, it's a high, arid, mountain bowl of bad air from Butte that doesn't move because of how the mountains are situated here. Plus it is around 10 degrees colder on avg here than surrounding areas. So the bitter cold I dislike, especially having to work out in it. This winter in particular has been by far the mildest I can ever remember here. Not only temps, but snowfall. Snowfall is worrisome for fire season coming this summer. I live on a heavily treed mountainside and while I built my house with what should be enough room from the big doug firs (all larger pine were long ago gone from beetle kill), if a fire sweeps through it would probably take the house too, which may be for the best anyway as long as insurance actually covers like they are supposed to. Snowqualmie is a tough one, have done that several times where the conditions were not good. And I hear you on the warmer, slushy snow thing. I don't think I could live in the PNW because of the rain and such, which in winter turns to that slushy mess you mentioned. Beautiful area, but the overall weather patterns can be challenging. Ebikes are great, although I have yet to buy one. One of my best friend has a 5k level E mountain bike, and it is a blast.

It is beautiful here.... but cold (especially lately - but been such a mild winter overall so far - not good for snow pack though). I am closer to Butte, which is one of the coldest small cities in the lower 48. You live in likely as beautiful, if not more, country. Have enjoyed your pics out and about in the mountains over the years!