The narrow Alpine¹ zone of peaks and snow that forms the crest² of the Rocky Mountains has its own individual elemental moods, its characteristic winds, its electrical and other peculiarities³, and a climate of its own. Commonly its days are serene⁵ and sunny, but from time to time it has hail and snow and showers of wind-blown rain, cold as ice-water. It is subject to violent changes from clear, calm air to blizzard⁶.

I have enjoyed these strange, silent heights in every season of the year. In climbing scores of these peaks, in crossing the passes, often on snowshoes, and in camping here and there on the skyline, I have encountered these climatic changes and had numerous strange experiences. From these experiences I realize that the transcontinental aviator⁸, with this realm of peak and sky, will have some delightful⁹ as well as serious surprises. He will encounter stern conditions.[Pg 72] He may, like a storm-defying bird, be carried from his course by treacherous¹⁰ currents and battle with breakers or struggle in vain in the monstrous¹¹, invisible maelstroms that beset¹² this ocean of air. Of these skyline factors the more imposing¹³ are wind, cold, clouds, rain, snow, and subtle, capricious electricity.

High winds are common across the summits of these mountains; and they are most prevalent in winter. Those of summer, though less frequent and much more short-lived, are a menace on account of their fury and the suddenness with which they surprise and sweep the heights.

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