Funnel cloud spotted southwest of Pincher Creek yesterday

Funnel cloud spotted near Christie Mines Road yesterday
Bill Torvi photo

Toni Lucas, Pincher Creek Voice
Pincher Creek got hail yesterday, and sharp-eyed Bill Torvi noticed a really interesting cloud formation while out with friends, about 15 minutes before the hail started, and decided to snap a picture with his phone.  The funnel cloud seemed to form over Christie Mines Road, about 4 miles southwest of Pincher Creek.  


"We were all watching it, and we thought it looked interesting, and didn't think react to the possibility that it might touch down," said Torvi.  " I think we are numb, seeing things happen on tv, and waiting.  It dissipated very quickly, so we all just waited for the rain after. "

Update: Respected meteorologist David Spence was nice enough to analyze the above photo for us.  Here is his comment: 
"That's a mesocyclone, and it does look like a funnel.  Without video showing it rotating, it's not really possible to confirm that it is a funnel, but from the looks of the still photo, I'd say it's 90% certain that it's a funnel.
Being at the base of a mesocyclone, this is NOT a cold funnel...if it is a funnel, it's the real deal. Cool photo! " - David Spence, 660 News/CTV

Editor's note: If you have photos and stories about yesterday's severe weather event that you would like  to share with our readers, or any other stories and phtotos, send them to pinchercreekvoice@gmail.com