Category Archives: weather

Holes in a cloud

Posted on October 20, 2018 by Alistair

  A week ago, I showed iridescence in a lenticular cloud (colours in a wave cloud). Here is another uncommon feature of such clouds: lacunosus, that is, the cloud is potmarked with holes. (Lacunosus is Latin for: full of lacunae, … Continue reading →

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Cloud colours

Posted on October 12, 2018 by Alistair

  The spectacular colours of fall are naturally associated with deciduous trees. Yet, these are not the only delightful variegation to be seen. Iridescent clouds are often visible in this season. The colours in iridescent clouds arise from the interference … Continue reading →

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Waltz of wind, water, & waves

Posted on September 20, 2018 by Alistair

  As the sun rose yesterday, a neat choreography of a katabatic wind created ephemeral sprites of steam fog, and abruptly ruffled calm waters farther offshore. In fifteen minutes, it was all over. Katabatic wind The night had been clear, … Continue reading →

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Perplexing sky

Posted on September 2, 2018 by Alistair

  Down here on the surface of the earth, we are used to judging distance with the help of contrast: distant objects have a lower contrast than those in the foreground. This insight works for solid objects with sharp boundaries. … Continue reading →

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Dew, not dew

Posted on June 26, 2018 by Alistair

  The web of an orb-weaving spider covered in matutinal drops of water is undoubtedly beautiful. But, is the web really covered in dew — as is claimed by a myriad of photo sites? Alas, this is something for which … Continue reading →

Posted in bugs, weather, wildflowers | 7 Comments

Kokanee Creek mouth

Posted on May 28, 2018 by Alistair

  At 534.06 metres, the Lake is still a half metre below the peak flood level of 2012. However, it has been enough to flood some trails in the low parts of Kokanee Creek Park. The Lake is expected to … Continue reading →

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Smoking mountain

Posted on April 21, 2018 by Alistair

  A smoking mountain might seem an odd topic during a wet spring. However, the title does not refer to a wildfire, but to the name of a weather phenomenon. Sometimes a cloud streaming off the lee of a mountain … Continue reading →

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Steam devils

Posted on January 2, 2018 by Alistair

  A clear morning with a brisk sub-zero wind over the water is ideal for sighting steam devils. There was only a gentle wind two days ago and the devils were not as grand as on some earlier occasions. Yet, … Continue reading →

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Sun pictures

Posted on August 22, 2017 by Alistair

  During the solar eclipse of August 21, 2017, telescopes looked up; I looked down. Well, fair’s fair, I looked up also, but I concentrated on the ground. Let me explain.  I leave it to the folks with good equipment … Continue reading →

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Smoke colour

Posted on August 15, 2017 by Alistair

  Having one’s home on a wildfire Evacuation Alert is a stressful experience — but, it would be worse having one’s home on a wildfire Evacuation Order. Portraits of Local Wildlife: My presentation is this evening. The fire prompting the … Continue reading →

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