Snow-Gauge Clif, Winter

And He’s Back—Snow-gauge Clif: March 3, 2026

59 Comments

I know this is the time of year many of you look forward to: Starting in March, at the beginning of each week, Clif goes out with his trusty red snow gauge to measure the snow until it is gone from our yard. Usually, sometime in April, but with climate change, it’s hard to predict.

Weather-wise—but certainly not politically—it has been a good winter for central Maine. It has even been what you might call an old-fashioned winter, with fluffy snow, a decent amount on the ground, and few horrible windstorms to knock out the power. It is the kind of winter I remember from my childhood in Waterville, about twenty-five miles from where I live now. Yes, this year we have had to cancel some activities because of the weather, but that is winter in Maine, and it is to be expected. It has been colder than average, but you can’t have everything. If our country were going as well as this central Maine winter is, then we would be in pretty good shape.

So drumroll, please, as Snow-Gauge Clif makes his first appearance of the 2026 season.

Here he is in the front yard.

You can see by his solemn expression that Snow-Gauge Clif takes his job very seriously. Amount of snow: 17 inches.

And here he is in the backyard, where we get more sun. Amount of snow: 12 inches.

While I was tottering around outside, I took a couple more pictures.

One of the back bed, where the dried hydrangeas and the garden ornament make a pretty foreground to the woods in the back.

And then one looking down, as I have to do on our icy paths around the house. This time of year, there are always some interesting little tidbits that have blown from the trees surrounding our yard. I did not arrange the leaf and the evergreen sprig. That is nature’s arrangement.

Stay tuned for more of Snow-Gauge Clif!

 

59 thoughts on “And He’s Back—Snow-gauge Clif: March 3, 2026”

  3. Looking at this from early autumnal eastern Australia – how very pretty BUT how much work creating the necessary paths in and out . . . and hate to think what the poor cars must ‘think’ 🙂 !

  5. Wow! that’s a lot of snow hanging about to be called a good winter. But then I live in Virginia, where we’ve been unhappy with the bitter cold, snowcrete and follow on snow. To be honest, the follow on snow was lovely and like all March snow hereabouts, disappeared expeditiously. I look forward to more measurements.

    1. This is usual for Maine. We need that snow for insulation—the perennials suffer when there’s not much snow—and to replenish the water table. Also, in Maine + winter = snow. 😉

  14. We have more snow than you. And my attitude about it is nowhere near as good as yours. 😖 I like that “still life on snow” pic. Very cool.

      1. That’s awesome. I wish I was because I really don’t want to move South, away from my granddaughter. But I feel like I’d be happier in a warmer climate.

  15. The best part of this for me (after the pretty snow scenes) would be the difference between the 17″ and 12″. Let the melting begin! It’s always fun to see the measurements decline, even from my distance. I’m sure it’s pleasing for you, as well!

  17. A winter like winter is supposed to be! I love snow (as long as I do not have to shovel large amounts of snow every day.)

  20. So much snow! I love this ritual of yours 🙂 Maybe next winter you can send some of your snow our way? I’d greatly appreciate it 😉 Hope you’re having a great week!

  21. That’s still quite a bit of snow! Ours has all melted. Again. We like to dream that was the last of the snow but buried deep in our hearts is the knowledge it will snow again, at least once and probably more, before winter gives up on us for this season.

  22. Welcome back Cliff! I have this image of you being kept in a cupboard from mid April to beginning of March each year with your gauge tucked in beside you. But I gather you are allowed out earlier to man the snow blower or join Birthday celebrations so maybe that is just my over-fertile brain!

    1. Tee-hee! After the snow-gauge is retired for the season, Clif assumes other titles, including lawn-mower Clif, yard-work Clif, and repair-the-house Clif. No rest for the wicked. 😉

      1. Are you saying Clif is wicked? I hope in the sense my grandchildren use the word! Hee Hee

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    1. Absolutely fascinating! I did not know there was a word for this, but living in Maine, I have long known the value of a substantial snow pack. Thanks so much for sending this to me!

  25. Such a beautiful, healthy pack of snow Laurie 🤍✨️ and a warm welcome back to snow-gauge Clif! 🤗

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