Receding glaciers prove that it was warmer 1,200 years ago than today

According to Cathy Connor of the University of Alaska in a recent article in the Juneau Empire newspaper, "receding glaciers have revealed undeniable proof that it was much warmer in the northern latitudes 1,200 to 2,500 years ago than it is today in the same regions."

The recent retreat of Alaska's Mendenhall Glacier has uncovered the remains of trees which grew in the area many centuries ago. As the glacier continues to melt, more stumps are revealed. It's an ongoing process. Tree ring studies, dendrochronology, prove the age of trees.

Other glaciers in Alaska, most notably the Eagle and Herbert glaciers, likewise reveal the remains of trees of a similar age. As these ancient forests slowly emerge from their 'frozen tombs,' they prove that global temperatures must have been several degrees warmer in the not so distant past. The trees don't lie.

Today, the Taku Glacier is the only glacier of the 32 glaciers in the Juneau icefield that is said to be "slowly advancing." It is pushing large live cottonwood trees "out of the way."

We are also seeing advancing glaciers covering trees in the Southern Hemisphere in New Zealand and the extreme southern tip of South America. The icepack in eastern Antarctica is "growing by leaps and bounds."

It is the opinion of this climatologist that many glaciers around the world will soon begin to advance much like they did during the 'Little Ice Age' between 1350 and 1850 A.D. But, once again, only time will tell.

While on the subject of 'global cooling,' we have had a record snowy October both in the U.S. Western Great Plains as well as in parts of Europe and northern China.

Upwards of 41 inches of snow in the Black Hills region of South Dakota killed 'tens of thousands of cattle' on the open ranges. Most ranchers didn't have storm insurance. Rancher Heath Ferguson of Sturgis, S.D., reported that he "lost 96 percent of his herd." Feeder cattle prices in Chicago earlier this past week 'skyrocketed' to a new all-time highs near $1.70 a pound.

Northern China saw 6-10 inches of snow between Oct. 4-6. In Europe, Munich, Germany, earlier this past week received upwards of a 'foot' of snow in places, the heaviest accumulations of the white stuff ever for so early in the season. Innsbruck, Austria, had 4 inches of snow, which closed the famous Autobahn Roadway for several hours.

As much as 31 inches of snow fell this past week in Switzerland, a 200-year record for early season snowfall. Some ski resorts opened for business more than a month ahead of schedule.

Government weather forecasters in Great Britain and elsewhere in Europe are predicting another in a series of harsh winters in 2013-14. Fierce blizzards and brutal winds are likely to shut down schools and businesses throughout the British Isles and much of Europe.

Since the current colder trend begin in 2007, we've seen the canals in Venice, Italy, freeze over during the mid winter months and schools close due to snow in Rome. Measurable snowfalls have been reported as far south as North Africa.

I wouldn't be too surprised to see KILLER FREEZES this upcoming winter season in the Florida citrus and vegetable production regions. South Texas and Southern California may likewise see damaging frosts late this December or early in January. It all depends on the exact lifespan of the current chilly 'La Nina' sea-surface temperature event in the waters of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Stay tuned.

NORTH IDAHO WEATHER REVIEW AND LONG-RANGE OUTLOOKS

Except for a few sprinkles on Wednesday, mostly in the mountains to the east of us into western Montana, we've been bone-dry and relatively mild during the past week in North Idaho and the rest of the Inland Empire thanks to a strong ridge of high pressure.

We've had some moderate freezes and patchy fog during the early morning hours. It was 29 degrees on the 13th and 29 degrees again on the 15th in Coeur d'Alene. Our leaves are finally turning color. The sunny afternoons in the upper 50s and lower 60s have been a sharp contrast indeed from the rainy weather during much of September. But, enjoy the beautiful days while they're with us, because a much wetter and cooler weather pattern is due to arrive by Halloween or shortly thereafter into early November.

I'm expecting our first measurable snowfall of the winter of 2013-14 sometime around the Nov. 17-25 'full moon' cycle just prior to Thanksgiving. It's possible that a few flakes of the white stuff will be seen in the valley during the early November 'new moon' phase with upwards of a 'foot' of snow possible in the nearby mountain ski areas. There's a good chance that the Lookout Pass Ski Resort will open by the Nov. 28-30 Thanksgiving weekend into Dec. 1, the first Sunday of December.

The first half of this fast-approaching winter of 2013-14 is still likely to be a bit colder and snowier than usual due to the chilly 'La Nina' sea-surface temperature event in the waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean.

But, if this La Nina falls apart as some climatologists predict, the second half of this winter season could see much less snow than normal and warmer than usual temperatures extending into the early spring of 2014. Only time will tell. Stay tuned.

Cliff Harris is a climatologist who writes a weekly column for The Press. His opinions are his own. Email sfharris@roadrunner.com