Winterkeepers Almanac

January 10 2004

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Bison Frosty Branch:

The past several days of overnight temperatures below zero degrees F in the crucibles of the geyser basins where hot humidity laden air meets the subzero ambient air temperature, tree branches act as armatures on which complexes of crystals accrete. We are looking to the southwest as the sun promises to crest the local timbered ridge. This small group of buffalo are taking advantage of the relatively shallow accumulation of snow on the relatively warm ground in this thermal area, at Mud Volcano, eight miles south and up river of my house.

With the relatively temperate microcasm sustained within the environment of a geo-thermal basin a tepid warm spring creates a filigree complex of ice and frost patterns. Each band, like tree rings, records the fluctuations of temperature and humidity in the past several days and nights.