Let It Snow

SNOW PACK STILL HIGH

Cold Temps Slowing Rivers

cautious optimism

(Click on image for larger size.)

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.. We're becoming cautiously optimistic that there will be good stream-flows and correspondingly good catching this coming season.
.. The snowpack is up more than just a bit, (LINK #1, LINK #2,) and the recent intermittent chilly temperatures, (-40° F or so,) have us thinking of those bygone days when stream closures for flow or temperature were not even a thought in fishy planning.

.. Two or three coming weather events have tempered our optimism just a bit. The "Valentines Day Blip," the "St. Patrick's Day Breakup," and the "Tax Return Rains," are still to come.
.. Some time in the next two weeks there will be a spike in the mid-winter temperatures. This blip can cause havoc with the stream flows, snowpack, and fishing plans. If the warm spike lasts for a week or more we can be in deep do-do, (literally and figuratively.)

.. Generally we know that Spring, (such as it is up here,) has arrived in mid March. If it warms toward moderate temperatures the melt accelerates and the rivers turn a lovely color that is reminiscent of chocolate milk.
.. In this part of the world "Spring Break" has more than one meaning. The kids have their own idea and the fishers have theirs. Both groups are already talking about it with eager anticipation.
.. By mid April we've entered our wet season, (it usually lasts through June.) If the rains come with any sort of persistence the snowpack can be washed away in the blink of an eye.
.. Cool is cool for the next few months. We're keeping our eye on the data and the forecasts and will let you know how things are shaping up.

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