Has anyone found a really good book or source for learning how to read the weather in the BWCAW?

tn,
I can't recommend a book but if you get on the internet and Google "reading the weather" you will find numerous tips on how to do so.
canoerone

After seeing the cloud pictures, etc., watch the sky around home more and see what weather comes. Almost forgot- Welcome to the most addicting board around!

One idea is look at the National Weather Service they have weather
spotting classes every spring. That might be a option.

Darcyn

In the BWCA the Jet Stream usually hovers overhead or is close by. This makes for the most changeable weather I've ever experienced, especially early and late season. I've learned to quit trying to read the weather up there. Even the expert forecasters always seem to be wrong.

Welcome aboard Terry! Lots of good info here.

I've always found this page on Quiet Journey helpful. Gives you kind of a "what-if" scenario. QJ Weather Page

Thanks for the tips! I've been canoeing the BWCAW since 2004 with groups but am venturing off with 3 other women this summer for a longer trip where I will be the guide. This will definitely help!

I have a very interesting chapter from a very old book, chapter titled "Canoeman's Weather"...so old it's sexist. But the info is good. I only have paper copies of it, and I'm not very good with computer tricks, but maybe a friend can get it downloaded. If I can't get it on the computer, I'll email and get an address and send it to you.

quote Kevlar: "I have a very interesting chapter from a very old book, chapter titled "Canoeman's Weather"...so old it's sexist. But the info is good. I only have paper copies of it, and I'm not very good with computer tricks, but maybe a friend can get it downloaded. If I can't get it on the computer, I'll email and get an address and send it to you. "

Thank you Kevlar! I saw an old book at our canoe base last summer but of course when I went to find it and write down the name, it was being used by another guide.

quote fraxinus: "I've always found this page on Quiet Journey helpful. Gives you kind of a "what-if" scenario. QJ Weather Page "

That's a great link. Thanks!

quote fraxinus: "I've always found this page on Quiet Journey helpful. Gives you kind of a "what-if" scenario. QJ Weather Page "

I read the QJ weather page and, hahahahahaha! It might be right for July and August, but in September 2010 the wind was from the west and it was cloudy and rainy every day of the trip. Seemed like one cold front after another passed through about every 8 hours. However, I still loved being there.

I have to agree with AndySG that the weather in Sept is very hard to predict. It changes very quickly and the general rules don't seem to apply then. I think it's often impacted by tropical storm weather from the southern and eastern directions.

The QJ article makes a good point in stating people who spend time outdoors get good at predicting weather, not a few days out, but for the time they have. Growing up on the farm we knew when it was time to head for the barn, the animals usually signaled that. We learned to pay attention to the subtle shifts in the wind and its temperature and direction and the smells it carried.

Going to the wilderness is going back to living with what is and the weather is part of what is. Reading the wilderness is the best novel I have ever experienced and this site helps me find new ways to experience her.

Thanks.

Lot can be said by watching the clouds 1 dead give away is wind from the
west and the clouds moving east. Some times lower clouds will move west
while the upper clouds move to the east generally with in 24 hours a front is moving in. Watch the speed of their movement also. Faster they are moving the more alert you have to be. If it is low humidity less issues then high humidity. I hope you find a good book. take this with a grain of salt not a expert just been outside allot.