Snow in the Desert
Cactus in Snow???
People think of deserts as being hot places where there is never any snow. Aside from the fact there are SOME deserts located in cold climates, hot deserts sometimes get snow, too. Perhaps on an average, I expect to see snow in my yard about once every fifteen years!
The last time we had snow was in 1999. My article on seasons has some of those photos.
We had another snowstorm the other day. It was wonderful because not only did the snow do great things to the landscape, but the temperature was in the 40's, so by going out promptly I was able to get some great photos without freezing to death!
This was a storm heading for the Midwest, that really dumped on them. We got the edge of it. Perhaps I will drive into the mountains in a day or two to see what I can find up there. In the meantime, here are photos from my yard. Enjoy!
The photo on the left shows several Saguaro cacti (Carnegiea gigantea) with snow on them.
All photos are mine.
This time we had been warned
sort of
We knew it was going to be cold, but I didn't expect to see snow in the morning. Actually it was already early afternoon when I took these pictures.
Just because it is going to get cold doesn't mean it won't rain instead.
When we had snow on Easter Sunday in 1999, it came as a total surprise. And it was COLD that day, unlike this recent afternoon. I took 14 rolls of film, and froze my fingers off. Since I was feeding the birds at that time, I put out some seed, and the birds came in and ate it eagerly. This time, I wasn't feeding birds lately, and I didn't see any.
Then there was the snow that hit briefly in the morning some year in between, when I got nice sunrise pictures, but then got some rest and when I got up, the snow was all gone.
Cholla Covered in Snow - Cylindropuntia sp.
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Prickly Pear in Snow - Platyopuntia sp.
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Mountains with Blankets of Snow
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Saguaros with Snow - Carnegiea gigantea
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A Few Other Scenes
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Debate: Cactus versus Snow
Do you prefer cactus, or snow?
All about cactus and saguaros
Available from Amazon:
I don't think anyone ever wrote a book about saguaros and snow, so this is the best I can do. Enjoy!
All about Saguaros: Facts/Lore/Photos
by Leo W. Banks
Saguaro: The Desert Giant
by ANNA HUMPHREYS, Susan Lowell
Complete Book of Cacti & Succulents
by Terry Hewitt
© 2013 Pat Goltz
Related
Have you ever seen snow on cactus? - Other comments welcome, too
AUTHOR@Ramkitten2000: Cactus and snow are great together. You don't have to put up with months of freezing in order to enjoy the beauty. :)
Yep! A lot. We have both up here in Flagstaff and the surrounding lower desert. I've also seen cactus in snow in Grand Canyon and down in Sedona. Such a beautiful combination!
- AUTHOR
@ScottsdaleAgent: When you don't get snow very often, you can enjoy it.
I love it when we get snow in Scottsdale. It is such a treat!
- AUTHOR
@squidoopets: Thank you for the kind words, and you're welcome. I'd love to take pictures in Sedona when it has snowed.
I was in Sedona Az in January when there was snow - very beautiful. I love your snowy desert pics, many thanks for sharing :D
- AUTHOR
@Cari Kay 11: Thank you very much!
I have seen snow on cactus but your photos are just lovely!
- AUTHOR
@BLouw: I don't know. Where do you live? It would be wise to cover the tips of cacti when the temperature is supposed to go below 32 degrees. People often put paper cups on the tips of their cacti.
I've never seen pictures of snow in the desert. wondering now if I can leave my cacti out over winter! Beautiful photos.
- AUTHOR
@anonymous: You're welcome. I am glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you for sharing great information to us. I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic.
www.autobahnindustries.com/drillcollar.php
- AUTHOR
@Rosetta Slone: Thank you! I know it snows in places like the Andes. Are you saying it also snows occasionally in the lowlands?
What gorgeous pictures! I haven't seen snow on a cactus, but it has snowed here in the tropics, would you believe!
- AUTHOR
@NibsyNell: We don't see it often, and we've lived here over 40 years. I can recall only three occasions! Thank you for the comment.
Gosh, that's a sight I've never seen before! :)
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