Developing the ability to recognize the weather patterns and signs foretelling the immediate future can be linked to the number of years of residence. The old-timers in the White River Valley believed they were weather-wise and felt confident that it was this essential tool that determined their resilience or staying power. The community’s ability to survive the worst weather has been the underpinnings of so many stories. The knowledge and expertise gained through the years of experience working the land ensured that a farm or ranch could be preserved and passed down through the generations. Some of their weather predictions throughout the seasons made them feel they could face anything that Mother Nature could dish out.
More than a few tale tellers peppered their stories with all sorts of unbelievably terrifying tales of sudden blizzards, avalanches, or floods. After each event, the general consensus was that no one could have seen it coming. It was only after a particularly savage storm roared through that these individuals could talk about theirs feeling of loss and absolute helplessness. Years ago during one of my interviews with an old-timer, I remember his sharing his family’s loss of control when an early spring storm wiped out most of their cattle herd. He was a young child, so this one traumatic memory left its mark.
Watching the various weather reports this winter, it is apparent that weather watchers not only collect and analyze the newest available data, they are able to take advantage of latest high-tech communication gadgets.
No matter where one calls home the predictability of the local weather often continues to be linked to those who have lived here the longest. The old timers still know what is coming and even if all of the weather specialists try to prepare folks for the biggest catastrophes, those who have worked on the land sometimes are more accurate. Weather watchers all their lives, they prepare for the worst and are happy if Mother Nature cuts them a break.
By DOLLY VISCARDI – Special to the Herald Times
