Judy Byykkonen snapped these photos in her Traprock Valley yard on Thursday, during what us Yoopers know as a "Lake Effect Snow Event". That term always amuses me, because whether it's "lake effect" or just a regular snowfall, it's still white, it still accumulates on everything and you still have to move it, either with a shovel, a snowblower or a plow. In other words, snow is snow…period.

These snowy scenes sure are pretty, when the trees and all around them are covered in fluffy white. It really brightens up the landscape and makes everything look cleaner. I'm not sure what the final measurement for the snowfall was, but in Judy's last photo, it looks like about an inch on that branch. The forecast calls for more snow to fall off and on in the next few days, mixed with some rain, so it may melt and return a few more times before it decides to stay for the winter here in the Copper Country. Only time will tell...

Judy nice pix! But I gotta say... I was liking this mild weather! How far off is Spring?? lol

I must admit the bucolic scenes do have a certain charm to them. If I had my way though, Santa's sled would need wheels. To me the only positive thing about snow is that it is the great lawn equalizer. They are nice pictures Judy, thanks for sharing.

Where did traprock valley get its name? I knew several families in the area and I picked blueberries in the area.. But I never knew the origin of the name?

Wow...it's time to up the meds.

By Stewart Keskitalo (Skeskitalo) on Saturday, December 3, 2016 - 02:07 pm:
Where did traprock valley get its name?

From what I know, Traprock Valley/River got its name from the fact that the river was once used as a route for fallen logs further up the valley to the sawmills in Gregoryville. Quite commonly, these logs would get caught on rock outcrops along the river, forcing the timbermen to dislodge them.

Seems logical to me.....

Walking in a Winter Wonderland! Just beautiful! Thanks Judy!

I ran across this interesting website describing the science of snowflakes. Seems appropriate today.

Science of Snowflakes

Interesting epilogue to the snowflake article: "The growth behavior of ice depends on the molecular structure and dynamics at the crystal surface, and this is all so complicated that no one really understands it."
I wonder how many brilliant minds have pondered this conundrum.

By Capt. Paul (Eclogite):
"… From what I know, Traprock Valley/River got its name from the fact that the river was once used as a route for fallen logs further up the valley to the sawmills in Gregoryville. Quite commonly, these logs would get caught on rock outcrops along the river, forcing the timbermen to dislodge them. …"

Whut? Not related to the geological term (click →) "Trap Rock"??

(Or were you just pulling our collective leg yesterday, Cap'n?)

Beautiful, Judy. However, it was nice having fall
last so long this year. We got some snow
overnight. We don't have much, but some.