Winter Storms 101

Wisconsinites are no strangers to snow, but this week’s predicted 15-25 inches of snow was enough to throw even lifelong residents of the area for a loop. We hear every year about winter storms on the news, but what do all those different classifications really mean?

Lake effect snow plumes travelling
southeast across the Great Lakes region.

While terms like “snowstorm” and “blizzard” are used interchangeably in everyday speech by many, for classification purposes, they are not one and the same. They are both a kind of winter storm associated with precipitation of snow. There are several different kinds of snowstorms, depending on the amount of snow accumulated and wind speeds. Blizzards are a severe type of snowstorm that has winds of at least 35 mph for three or more hours. 

Lake effect snowstorms, while not common in Beaver Creek’s neck of the woods, are another fascinating form of winter storm which takes place south and east of the Great Lakes. Low-pressure systems cause the high levels of moisture from the relatively warm Great Lakes to rise and fall again in spectacular amounts. Lake effect snow can regularly drop several feet of snow on an area in a matter of days.

Whether it’s 15 inches or 5 feet, the snow and wind that comes with winter storms can be dangerous, and it’s important to be prepared. The National Weather Service recommends stocking up on necessary food and supplies before a run to the store turns dangerous. They also recommend stocking your car with emergency supplies, as snow and ice can catch even the best drivers off guard. Keeping a blanket, warm clothes, food, and a shovel in your car is a simple precaution you can take to stay safe. 

Should a winter storm knock out your power, staying warm is the number one priority. Wearing many loose layers, closing curtains and blinds, stuffing towels under door cracks, and closing off unused rooms will keep your home the warmest the longest if the heat goes out. It is also vital to eat well, as food gives you energy to stay warm, and drink plenty of water, since cold air is very dry.

Once the storms blow over, they leave plenty of gorgeous scenery for us to enjoy! If you’re looking to enjoy the natural beauty of winter, Beaver Creek has plenty of opportunities. Enjoying a hike in the trails is a great way to see the sights! Check out our website for trail conditions and rentals. Looking to sign-up for an outdoor program? See our events calendar for upcoming events and programs.

Winter Sky Asterisms

 When you look up into the sky at the stars in the winter (arguably the best season for stargazing) there are a number of recognizable star patterns, which on their own do not make a constellation. These types of star patterns are called asterisms! Asterisms are defined as a prominent group of stars that is smaller than a constellation. They can be used to easily locate other celestial objects in the night sky. Examples of winter asterisms include; the Winter Hexagon and Triangle, Cassiopeia’s W, Orion’s Belt, and the Big Dipper.

The Winter Hexagon is a collection of some 1st magnitude stars, or the brightest stars in the sky, arranged in a noticeable hexagonal pattern. The six stars come from six different constellations; Rigel in Orion the Hunter, Aldebaran in Taurus the Bull, Capella in Auriga the Charioteer, Pollux in Gemini the Twins, Procyon in Canis Minor the Small Dog, and Sirius in Canis Major the Big Dog. Three stars within the Winter Hexagon make up the Winter Triangle, Betelgeuse in Orion, Sirius in Canis Major, and Procyon in Canis Minor. The Winter Hexagon and Triangle are located in the sky to the east, right above the horizon.

Winter Hexagon and Triangle

The Cassiopeia constellation itself has a large number of stars, but 5 of the brightest are arranged in a large “W.” The constellation is seen in the sky year round in our hemisphere, but during the winter months, Cassiopeia’s “W” is located above the North Star, or Polaris, and is upside down. During the summer months, the “W” shape is right-side up. To locate Cassiopeia or the “W” Asterism, search the northeast section of the sky, near the Little Dipper.

Cassiopeia's W

 Orion’s Belt and the Big Dipper are possibly the two most famous winter sky asterisms. Orion’s Belt is a line of 3 stars that makes up Orion’s waistline in The Hunter’s constellation. This asterism is an easy tool to use to locate the Orion Constellation! Look to the southern skies near the horizon for Orion. The Big Dipper is formed from the 7 brightest stars in the Ursa Major, or the Great Bear, Constellation. 6 of these 7 stars are at 2nd magnitude or higher, making it one of the most easily spotted star formations in the sky! Search the northern skies, right above the horizon for the Great Bear.

Orion the Hunter

Ursa Major

If you are looking to go stargazing in the next coming weeks, be sure to keep an eye out for these winter asterisms and their constellations! Beaver Creek Reserve is a great place to look for stars all year round! Listed as an area of Wisconsin’s darkest skies, Beaver Creek partners with the Chippewa Valley Astronomical Society to host a variety of sky gazing programs in our Hobbs Observatory. Hobbs Observatory Astronomical Series are held on the third Saturday of every month and include a 30-45 minute program on various astronomical topics, followed by public observing with the telescopes if conditions are right. Public Observing sessions are held on all clear Saturdays from May through October. These sessions begin 30-45 minutes after the sun sets, and run for about 2 hours. Check out Beaver Creek Reserve to experience some of the best stargazing opportunities in the area!

Love in the Air at Our Valentine’s Day Candlelight Snowshoe Hike

While some birds fly south for the winter, love birds flocked to Beaver Creek Reserve to celebrate Valentine’s Day early with a candlelight snowshoe hike. Starting at the Wise Nature Center on the South Campus, snowshoers set off on a mile-long path lined with candles to take in the wonders of nature.

Winter may not be the first time of year people think of going on a hike, but this season gives Beaver Creek a unique charm that can’t be replicated any other time of year. Snow covering the tree branches and drifting on the paths made the experience feel like one from a movie, and the half-frozen creeks were a sight to behold.

In addition to the candles in the snow, hikers found themselves guided by the stars in the sky as well. A cloudless night made for a dazzling display above the tree line, with iconic constellations like Orion and the Big Dipper making an appearance.

Back at the Nature Center, smiling faces and two roaring bonfires greeted visitors ready to relax and warm up after their time on the trail. Cheerful chatter and the pop of champagne corks filled the air as everyone enjoyed each other's company alongside glasses of champagne and cups of hot cocoa.

The constellation of Orion above the candlelit trail.

If you missed out on the festivities, don't worry! Our trails remain open for all to enjoy,  but be sure to check our website for trail conditions and rental availability. We also have more programs to offer so you can get outside and take advantage of the fresh winter air. Check out our events calendar and register now!