General: We are on parity for snow in March, but down < 2sd on moisture. We expect 12.5" of snow in March, and have received 12.3". We expect 2.93" of liquid (rain/snowmelt) and have received 1.45" (sd = 1.29"). For the water year, we have received 12.16", and expect (7 year average) 18.45" (sd=6.6"). We're almost 1 sd below our average for moisture.
Agriculture: Our neighbors have now planted, and, with all of us, are hoping for rain. They say the soil moisture is pretty good, which is hopeful. They use no-til procedures, so the top soil retention is great (in contrast to the dust storms we're seeing down in the valley with potato farms).
Energy: High energy production phase now: 79.94 kWHR produced yesterday, and only 28.84 kWHR consumed.
Fire: I'd put it at high danger at this point. We haven't had moisture of any sort since March 6.
Plants/wildlife: We should have seen/heard the following birds, as of March 23 (based on 2024 bird identification):American Crow
Black-billed Magpie
Common Raven
Red-winged Blackbird
Bullock’s Oriole
American Robin
Black-capped Chickadee
Pine Grosbeak (maybe)
Dark-eyed Junco
Northern Flicker
Downy Woodpecker
Starling
Pigeon
Sandhill Crane
Wild Turkey
Great horned owl
Turkey Vulture (maybe)
Western Meadowlark
Mallard Duck
Snow Goose
Canada Goose
Red-tailed Hawk
Cooper’s Hawk
Sharp-tailed Grouse
Ring-necked Pheasant
We have not seen/heard the following yet: Bullock’s Oriole
Snow Goose. We are pretty well on-target as far as bird species is concerned. I haven't seen an ermine in a long time, and no chipmunks or squirrels. These are all vulnerable due to winged predators (and feral cats).
Water: We're on the ragged edge for water.
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