The Valley is enjoying a deep blanket of snow this winter as those fluffy white flakes just keep falling. Lots of snow is good for many reasons, and not just for powder hounds looking to hit the slopes. It helps to regulate the temperature of the earth’s surface while insulating the soil underneath. When the snow melts, it will help to replenish our natural reservoirs, rivers and streams. But, what’s on the ground now is enough.
Many are commenting on how long it has been since snow has been piled at eye level along plowed roads. It is hard to believe that at this time last year, green grass was already poking through, and maple producers were well into the season. Children are certainly enjoying new backyard mountains and snowy peaks, though this came with a tragic reminder that snow can be dangerous after a young girl in Chateauguay succumbed to injuries she sustained after being buried by a collapsed snow fort. The municipality of Ormstown issued a statement asking parents to ensure children do not play where snow is being dumped, highlighting how quickly an accident can happen.
The storms also served to remind Valley residents of the perils of winter driving after a few easier winters on the roads. Snowplow drivers worked nearly nonstop last week, facing frigid temperatures, treacherous surfaces, and limited visibility while ensuring roads were safe and accessible to those who could not stay home. Messages of thanks were posted by several municipalities, highlighting the dedication of their public works teams, drivers, and volunteer firefighters, and all the other unsung heroes of winter who were called on to help drivers caught in snow drifts.
Despite somewhat warmer daytime temperatures early this week, there is more snow in the forecast, but in more manageable quantities. And as the calendar flips to March, it’s important we have some snow remaining for taffy with the start of the sugar season.
Sarah Rennie