Weather

The following observations reflect the beginning of what was a revelation in the understanding of climate patterns of this region. The knowledge of differences in coastal and inland temperatures, which we now take for granted, was at this time just being discovered by the Expedition as they moved west.

Ken Furrow

They have found a place about 15 miles from this camp, up a small river which puts into a large bay on the south side of the Columbia, that will answer very well for winter quarters, as game is very plenty, which is the main object with us; and we intend to move there as soon as circumstances will admit. There is more wet weather on this coast, than I ever knew in any other place; during a month, we have had three fair days; and there is no prospect of a change (Gass, from Moulton, V.10, 180)

- Patrick Gass, December 5th, 1805

as the Climent would be more favourable on the Sea Coast for our naked men than higher up the Countrey where the Climate must be more Severe. (Clark, from Moulton V.6, 84)

- William Clark, November 24th, 1805

...added to the above advantagies in being near the Sea Coast one most Strikeing one occurs to me i’ e, the Climate which must be from every appearance (must be) much milder than that above the 1st range of Mountains, The Indians are Slightly Clothed and give an account of but little Snow, and the weather which we have experiened Since we arrived in the neighbourhood of the Sea Coast has been verry warm, and maney of the fiew days past disagreeably So. If this Should be the Case it will most Certainly be the best Situation of our naked party dressed as they are altogether in leather. (Clark, from Moulton V.6, 85)

- William Clark, November 24th, 1806

Near the Falls | Prospect of Game | Making Salt | Weather | Hope of Seeing Ships