For the week ending 12/4/2022, conditions were MILDLY DRY. The 7-day cumulative precipitation total of 0.36 inches was 56% below the expected 13-year (2009-2021) average of 0.81 inches and in the “near normal” range; the 30-day total of 2.73 inches was 22% below the expected 13-year average of 3.48 inches and in the “mildly dry” range; and the 90-day total of 8.89 inches was 15% below the expected 13-year average of 10.44 inches and in the ”moderately dry” range. There were three days of measurable precipitation (all from rain), with a maximum of 0.24 inches on the 28th. There was no new snow and a mere trace of a snowpack (on the 28th & 29th). Temps ranged from 53 F (on the 2nd) to 17 F (on the 4th), with average Hi/Lo temps of 44/28 F (-3/-6 F relative to last week). The usual resident birds continue gathering at the feeders, primarily goldfinches, house finches, chickadees, nuthatches, woodpeckers, and the like. With exception of some new shore ice on the 4th, Crescent Lake was ice-free the entire week. It has been determined that the unusually high waters of Crescent Lake are due to a clogged culvert; the county drain commission has been advised. The winter weather severity index at the nearest AWSSI station (South Bend, IN, 12 miles to the SE), remained in the Extreme category as of the 2nd (the last day updated).