We live on the edge of Creede Caldera next to the Rio Grande National Forest. No snow. Seriously, so tired of watching the little patches of snow slowly disappear into the woods. No memory of a significant snowfall or even rain. The wind is crazy. There was a brief period where the elk were seen just over the rise, but they are now finding food higher in the trees. Even the deer that are generally so plentiful, find food and escape from the wind above the tree line.  

We have about 77 days of typical winter left with only 52 percent of the median SWE so far. Very dry and leaves most of the county already whispering concerns aboutNy the upcoming fire season.

The howling wind is scraping off the hillsides. The surprise group of Steller’s Jays that we welcomed earlier in the winter now have difficulty finding a foothold to nibble on the seed tray. 

It’s warmer than usual. The Rio Grande is generally ice free and the local hockey tournament will struggle with patches of open water. The ponds which are refreshed with the flow from East Willow Creek find skaters dealing with the water unfrozen at the edges.