Pray for rain

Questions and reports related to Sierra Nevada current and forecast conditions, as well as general precautions and safety information. Trail conditions, fire/smoke reports, mosquito reports, weather and snow conditions, stream crossing information, and more.
Post Reply
User avatar
balzaccom
Topix Addict
Posts: 2951
Joined: Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:22 pm
Experience: N/A

Pray for rain

Post by balzaccom »

Yes, we've had a few storms, and another one or more is on the way. But we really do need a long wet winter this year. Last year was way below normal, and things are just plain dry.


Take a look at this photo of Donnell Reservoir on the Stanislaus River, and you'll see what we mean.


Image


Dean Martin was right. So was Bing Crosby. Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
Check our our website: http://www.backpackthesierra.com/
Or just read a good mystery novel set in the Sierra; https://www.amazon.com/Danger-Falling-R ... 0984884963
User avatar
rlown
Topix Docent
Posts: 8225
Joined: Thu Oct 25, 2007 5:00 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer
Location: Wilton, CA

Re: Pray for rain

Post by rlown »

They're predicting 10" in my neck of the woods (North Bay) over the next few storms. I like the rain, but I like it to come gently over a longer period of time.
User avatar
Herm
Topix Regular
Posts: 257
Joined: Tue Sep 14, 2010 8:33 am
Experience: N/A
Location: Anaheim, CA
Contact:

Re: Pray for rain

Post by Herm »

Batten down the hatches, and stay safe Russ.
Herm
I am not in a hurry, so don't be hasty.
User avatar
TehipiteTom
Founding Member
Posts: 953
Joined: Thu Aug 24, 2006 8:42 am
Experience: Level 4 Explorer

Re: Pray for rain

Post by TehipiteTom »

More snow in the Sierra is acceptable if and only if the following two conditions are met: 1) we get exactly enough snowpack to keep us out of drought conditions for the year, and not one inch more; and 2) every storm bypasses the Bay Area, so it doesn't rain here.

Any deviation from those two conditions is completely unacceptable.
User avatar
rlown
Topix Docent
Posts: 8225
Joined: Thu Oct 25, 2007 5:00 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer
Location: Wilton, CA

Re: Pray for rain

Post by rlown »

Well, we only got an inch today. That was enough to expose the weak spots in the ditches (fixed). I hate gophers. Now we wait.. Pray for breaks in the rain pattern. helps with the run-off.
User avatar
East Side Hiker
Topix Regular
Posts: 391
Joined: Tue Oct 19, 2010 8:10 am
Experience: N/A

Re: Pray for rain

Post by East Side Hiker »

Now that I got a job working for a hydrologist for the winter, the first big gully-washer has fizzled out. But I suspect there will be more rain off and on for the next 3 days. Should be respectable rain and snow fall. I loved that video of the guys skating down Evolution Valley. Its cold enough, but not a lot of snow.
User avatar
ERIC
Your Humble Host & Forums Administrator
Your Humble Host & Forums Administrator
Posts: 3254
Joined: Fri Oct 28, 2005 9:13 am
Experience: Level 4 Explorer
Location: between the 916 and 661

Re: Pray for rain

Post by ERIC »

Preliminary estimate based on snow pillows is about 140% of normal to date for December in the Kings River Basin and even better in parts to the north. Good start, but it's still REALLY early. First statewide surveys begin this coming month!
New members, please consider giving us an intro!
Follow us on Twitter @HighSierraTopix. Use hashtags #SIERRAPHILE #GotSierra? #GotMountains?
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HighSierraTopix
User avatar
rlown
Topix Docent
Posts: 8225
Joined: Thu Oct 25, 2007 5:00 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer
Location: Wilton, CA

Re: Pray for rain

Post by rlown »

well.. my ground is completely saturated. It's like someone left a couple hoses on under the hill behind my house.. All ground water/run-off.

I'd be happy now if it targeted the Sierra in the form of snow and left Petaluma alone.
Shawn
Topix Fanatic
Posts: 1061
Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 9:56 pm
Experience: Level 4 Explorer

Re: Pray for rain

Post by Shawn »

I was hoping for more rain this year; at least average amounts. Which reminds me, I fail to understand these forecasts as they change about as often as one can look out the window. "EC" implies that it's anyone's guess as to the precip amounts. You have to wonder why they bother?

Image
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 9 guests