This winter in North Idaho has been anything but typical. Instead of our familiar blanket of sparkling snow, we’ve seen rain showers, mild temperatures, and plenty of cloudy skies. While many of us miss the crisp winter magic and fresh powder at the mountains, there’s also a sense of gratitude as we watch neighboring states struggle with severe flooding and storm damage.
A Winter That Feels More Like Fall
Normally, this time of year brings:
Snow-covered pines
Frozen lakes and ponds
Winter sports in full swing
But this year, winter has come with unseasonably warm temperatures and persistent rain instead of snow
It’s the kind of winter that makes you double-check the calendar… is it really December (or March)?
A Stark Contrast to Our Neighbors
While we’ve had our fair share of soggy days, North Idaho has been spared the worst of what Mother Nature can bring. Just beyond our region, other states have been hit with heavy rainfall, overflowing rivers, road closures, and heartbreaking flood damage. Here is a video just over the border in Libby Montana
Communities have been displaced.
Homes have been flooded.
Bridges comprimised.
Lives have been disrupted.
Watching these events unfold reminds us just how unpredictable weather can be — and how fortunate we are that, despite the gray skies, our area has largely remained safe.
We just heard that areas like Tahoe are expecting 7-10 feet of snow for Christmas. I can just envision the mess they will be dealing with in sucha short time.
Counting Our Blessings Close to Home
Even without our postcard-perfect winter scenery, there are silver linings:
✨ Roads have remained mostly clear
✨ Daily routines haven’t been heavily disrupted
✨ The few problems we have had have been quickly repaired
And as always, North Idaho’s sense of community shines bright. We check on our neighbors. We look out for one another. And we remain grateful for the beauty that surrounds us — snow or no snow.
Looking Ahead
No one knows what the rest of the season will bring. Winter may yet arrive in full force — or this may simply be one of those “remember when” years we talk about down the road.
In the meantime, we can:
Stay prepared
Stay informed
Stay grateful
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