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Condition Monitoring Report  
Station Number: ID-BK-27
Station Name: Inkom 5.5 N
Report Date: 3/15/2026
Submitted: 3/15/2026 6:45 AM
Scale Bar: Moderately Dry
Description:
Generally:  I'm holding us at moderately dry, based on the fact that we're not yet 2 sd below the 28 year average for snowfall.  We expect to be about 124" (sd = 39.14") at this point, and we have had 44.5" of snowfall.  Yesterday was the worst dust storm we've ever experienced here, with 59mph wind gusts.  I grew up in Oklahoma, born in 1948, and the dust bowl is part of my family legacy.  In my understanding, the dust bowl arose from drought coupled with wind and tilling practices that left the ground vulnerable to the blowing.  Our neighbors out here use no-til arming practices, so their fields aren't really at risk, but the fields along I-15 use traditional practices, and we see significant dust storms there frequently.  History repeats.
Agriculture: I think I was wrong about the winter wheat...I think what I was seeing in the fields is cheat (either that or the wheat is failing).
Energy:  Yesterday was cloudy, and we produced 25.10 kWHR and used 35.89 kWHR.  The day before, a clear day, showed the reverse trend.  We're clearly into the production season.
Fire: Risk in Pokey is high now, and I'd say the same for here.  We're dry.
Plants/wildlife:  We mourn the loss of songbirds.  There are a few, but far fewer than in previous years.  
Water: This is a scary thing for this year.  Our creek has water in it, but it is very low.  We still have snow in the Caribou range above our house, which is hopeful, but I fear that runoff will be pretty puny this year.  This will affect the Snake River valley and farming and life there, for sure.  
Categories: General Awareness
Agriculture
Energy
Fire
Plants & Wildlife
Water Supply & Quality