Where Homes Meet the Snow

Three Places in the Snowy North

The Snowy North is a broad northern region. All three places in this region get snow, but their landforms, water, and weather are not exactly alike. People often choose settlement sites where the land gives room, water is available, and the climate is manageable.

Northstar Bay lies beside a sheltered salt-water inlet. A flat terrace rises behind the rocky shore. The bay provides fish and a route for boats. Water nearby also makes Northstar's winters somewhat milder than winters farther inland, although snow still falls. Storms can push water onto the shore, so most homes stand on the terrace instead of right beside the water.

Stonehill Plain is inland between low hills. Its broad, level land gives people room for homes and roads. A stream flows down from the hills and crosses the plain. Families settle near the stream for water, but they choose ground above the banks because the stream may overflow. Stonehill usually has colder winters, stronger winds, and deeper snow than Northstar Bay.

Ridge Camp stands high on a steep, rocky ridge. It has little level ground, strong winds, and deep snow. A small spring is the closest water source. The ridge is near a stone quarry, so some workers live there, but the land and weather make it difficult to build a large settlement. These places show that people consider several features of a region before choosing where to live.