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October Weather Wrap

By Bill Kappel

For the second month in a row, temperatures were much warmer than normal and precipitation was below normal in October. This mild and dry pattern is typical of a fall season when we are entering into a La Niña pattern. This generally produces a large and persistent ridge of high pressure over the Southwestern U.S. This keeps the storm track to our north and prevents any intrusions of cold air. This has been the pattern so far in both September and October.

However, as the fall progresses and we head into winter, colder air to our north will start to take over and the ridge of high pressure will begin to weaken and retreat to the south. This will allow intrusion of colder air move in. So, after a slow start to the season, plan for a return to more normal, i.e. colder, weather to start as we head into winter.

Given all this, it’s not surprising that the only day in the first two weeks of the month with below normal temperatures was Oct. 1st and even then, temperatures were not cold, with highs in the mid-60s after morning lows in the upper 30s. From then through the 18th temperatures were above average every day, with the warmest temperatures from the 8th through the 12th. Highs reached into the low to mid-80s on the 2nd and 5th, then were consistently in the mid to upper 70s from the 7th through the 16th.

The one good aspect of the quiet and dry weather was an extended fall season where the fall colors were allowed to peak without any interference from cold and snow. Hopefully you had a chance to enjoy the scenery because you know it won’t last. The only interesting weather during this time was the fact that we saw our first below-freezing temperatures on the morning of the 16th. This was about three weeks later than normal. And not surprisingly, temperatures did not fall below freezing again until the last week of the month.

The only interruption until the end of the month occurred as a cut-off area of low pressure dropped down the west side of the Rockies on the 17th through the 21st. There wasn’t a lot of cold air with this storm, and therefore we mainly received rainfall on the Palmer Divide. However, during the heaviest precipitation on the afternoon and early evening of the 18th, some wet snow mixed in over the highest locations.

The storm brought several days of much needed moisture, with a half inch to an inch accumulating in most locations. The better news was these systems brought the first significant snowfall of the season to the high country, with nearly 2 feet of snow accumulating over the San Juan mountains of southwestern Colorado.

Once this storm departed, quiet and mild weather returned, with lots of sunshine and above normal temperatures again from the 22nd through the 29th. Then, just in time for Halloween, our first winter-type cold front moved into the region. This produced colder temperatures (although only back to normal) and some snow in the region.

A look ahead

November is generally dry and cool around the region. We usually get several light snowfalls interspersed with sunny skies. Gusty winds commonly develop on a couple of days as the jet stream becomes more active and directly affects Colorado. High temperatures average in the upper 40s early in the month to low 40s by the end with overnight lows often dipping into the teens and single digits.

October 2024 Weather Statistics

Average High 68.7° (+9.2°); 100-year return frequency value max 67.7° min 50.7°

Average Low 37.5° (+8.2°); 100-year return frequency value max 36.8° min 26.4°

Monthly Precipitation 0.60” (-1.13”); 100-year return frequency value max 4.63” min 0.18”

Monthly Snowfall T” (-11.0”)

Highest Temperature 84° on the 2nd

Lowest Temperature 25° on the 31st

Season to Date Snow T” (-11.0”) (the snow season, Oct. 1 to Sept. 30)

Season to Date Precip. 24.45” (+2.93”) (the precipitation season, Jan. 1 to Dec. 31)

Heating Degree Days 369

Cooling Degree Days 0

Bill Kappel is a meteorologist and Tri-Lakes resident. He can be reached at billkappel@ocn.me.

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Letters to Our Community – Tax, spend, and tax some more

The Town of Monument is at it again. In the October 2024 OCN, the Monument Town Council (MTC) talked about how to make up a $2.663 million budget deficit. That’s 22.8% of the town’s budget unpaid for by projected revenues.

Part of where they want to cover that deficit is by raiding the Police Department’s budget. This is the same PD budget that voters approved a tax increase for three years ago that would add to the existing PD budget, not replace the PD budget.

But what MTC doesn’t want you to know is that the new Town Charter gives them the right to move that money wherever they want. No matter what promises were made in the past, or in the language of the ballot initiative, they can defund the PD without voter approval.

Now with Ballot Initiative 2A, they want to increase your taxes so that they can “fund the town’s parks.”

We’ve seen that shell game before. We’re seeing it right now.

Tell MTC that they need to get their budget in order and stop lying to the us about what they’re doing with our tax dollars.

Vote no on 2A.

Warren James

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Disclaimer: The information and opinions expressed in Letters to Our Community are the responsibility of the letter writers and should not be interpreted as the views of OCN even if the letter writer is an OCN volunteer. The letters are arranged in alphabetical order based on the last name of the author.

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Letters to Our Community – Vote no on Prop. 127

 Science as the basis for wildlife management decisions is a core tenet of the North American model of wildlife conservation. This hunting ban runs counter to science. Mountain lion populations are not biologically threatened. They range from northern Canada to the southern extent of South America, the largest latitudinal range of any mammal in the Western Hemisphere.

Likewise, bobcats are widespread across the U.S. and are not biologically threatened. They are the most common North American wild cat species. Also, trophy hunting is already illegal in Colorado, and lynx are protected from harvest thanks to existing state and federal law.

Be an informed voter. Read about the long history of successful species and ecosystem restoration and Colorado’s healthy wild cat populations from the experts at Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The out-of-state extremists pushing this ban claim that lions reduce the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), but there is no peer-reviewed science that shows lions target CWD-infected deer, and even if they do, the prions are still on the landscape and spread around the landscape by other scavengers.

Lastly, trophy hunting is already illegal in Colorado, and lynx are protected from harvest thanks to existing state and federal law. Supporters of Prop. 127 are using intentionally deceptive language to pass a statewide ban on regulated hunting. Colorado’s wildlife professionals are the experts. Leave the big cat management to them, not out-of-state extremists. Vote no on 127.

Nathan Kettner

Click here for Guidelines for letters.

Disclaimer: The information and opinions expressed in Letters to Our Community are the responsibility of the letter writers and should not be interpreted as the views of OCN even if the letter writer is an OCN volunteer. The letters are arranged in alphabetical order based on the last name of the author.

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Between the Covers at Covered Treasures Bookstore – New fall releases

By the staff at Covered Treasures

“Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”—Charles Dickens

Here are some gems that we picked up at the recent book trade show that are a great way to welcome in the Thanksgiving season.

Mrs. McPhealy’s American

By Claire McDougal (Sibylline Press) $20

The entire rural town of Locharbert is abuzz because a famous Hollywood director is moving in. Putting two failed marriages, three sons, and a drinking problem behind him, he embarks on a quest for the uncomplicated life of his ancestors in the home of his distant relative, Mrs. McPhealy. But from the start, the newcomer is eyed with suspicion. The secret life of Locharbert is about to tumble out.

Libby Lost and Found

By Stephanie Booth (Sourcebooks Landmark) $28

Libby Lost and Found is a book for people who don’t know who they are without the books they love. It’s about the stories we tell ourselves and the chapters of our lives we regret. Most importantly, it’s about the endings we write for ourselves. Libby is the author of the mega-best-selling fantasy series but is diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s and turns to a young girl to help her finish the book. The conclusion will shock you.

The Hotel Balzaar

By Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick Press) $18

At the Hotel Balzaar, Marta’s mother cleans rooms. Meanwhile, Marta entertains herself, all the while dreaming of the return of her soldier father, who has gone missing. One day, a mysterious countess arrives and Marta begins to wonder: Could the secret to her father’s disappearance lie in the countess’s tales? Book two in a trio of novellas bound by place and mood—with elegant line art by Jâulia Sardáa.

Gather

By Kenneth M. Cadow (Candlewick Press), $18

Ian Gray isn’t supposed to have a dog, but he has adopted a puppy named Gather. An unforeseen tragedy results in Ian and his dog taking off on the run, trying to evade a future that would mean leaving their house and their land. Cadow’s resonant debut brings an emotional and ultimately hopeful story of one teen’s resilience in the face of unthinkable hardships.

Band People: Life and Work in Popular Music (American Music)

By Franz Nicolay (University of Texas Press) $30

This is a story about the other “band people” who are the anonymous but irreplaceable character actors of popular music. Through interviews and incisive cultural critique, writer and musician Franz Nicolay provides a portrait of the musical middle class. Artists talk frankly about their careers and attitudes toward their craft, work environment, and group dynamics. Band People gives voice to those who collaborate to create music and shows what it means to be a laborer in the culture industry.

Nose to Nose: A Picture Book

By Thyra Heder (Harry N. Abrams) $19

Toby is the new dog on the block but finds being new isn’t so easy. At least he finds a nice, smelly ball at the park. There’s just one problem: The ball actually belongs to another pup. Toby tries his best to explain his mistake, but his messages get misunderstood. This picture book by critically acclaimed author Thyra Heder playfully unveils the currents of communication happening all around us and champions the courage it takes to confront a problem “nose to nose.”

Dogpedia: A Brief Compendium of Canine Curiosities (Pedia Books #9)

By Jessica Pierce (Princeton University Press) $17

Dogpedia is your gateway into the astonishing world of dogs. This enticing, pocket-friendly collection helps you celebrate the amazing tapestry of our shared existence. With captivating drawings that bring the entries to life, Dogpedia uncovers the enigma of dogs, revealing hidden treasures behind every wagging tail.

Mother Aspen: A Story of How Forests Cooperate and Communicate

By Jessica Pierce (Princeton University Press) $17

In early spring, the Mother Tree wakens. Through the seasons and years, the Mother Tree shelters and feeds the other trees, the animals that make their home in the grove, and the fungi that make it possible for the trees to talk to each other. This story of symbiosis is richly illustrated by Crystal Smith and shows how the forest inhabitants thrive by working together.

Until next month, happy reading.

The staff at Covered Treasures can be reached at books@ocn.me.

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November Library Events – Book clubs, LEGO program, scheduling change

By Harriet Halbig

The Monumental Bookworms evening book club will meet from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12. This club is sponsored by the Tri-Lakes Friends of the Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD). This month’s selection is Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. All are welcome to attend.

The Monumental Readers book club will meet from 10:30 to 12:30 on Friday, Nov. 15. This month’s selection is Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt. This club is sponsored by the Friends of PPLD and all are welcome.

Patrons age 5 to 12 are welcome to attend the Monument Library Idea Lab: LEGO Build: Engineering your best LEGO creation. Completing LEGO challenges and producing LEGO art are only some of the possibilities at this open-ended LEGO program using PPLD’s LEGO resources.

Many virtual programs are also available through the library district. These include information about genealogy and author visits. See the website ppld.org under programs for further information.

Please note that all library facilities will close at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27 and remain closed all day on Nov. 28 for Thanksgiving. Libraries will be open regular hours on Friday, Nov. 29.

Harriet Halbig may be reached at harriethalbig@ocn.me.

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