A new drought category has been created. It is called, “exceptional drought.” It is the Category Five of droughts. The coastal portion of Big Sur is not yet in this category, but the mountain/eastern portions are. Including me. Coastal areas are in “extreme drought” or Category 4 conditions. As we all know, this is not good. It is even more surreal to write this as I watch the news of Atlanta recover from a little bit OS snow.
My rain gauge measured absolutely zilch today. I thought maybe when I moved it a few weeks ago I might not have gotten it straight, but considering that seems to be the consensus in other areas that showed some wetness, but no measurable rain, it probably is fine. I did get some dampness up here, but mostly under trees and on window screens. Certainly could not call it rain under anyone’s definition.
I am a native Californian. I have lived in this state all my life. I am going to be 65. I have never experienced anything like this. Extreme measures are in the works and necessary. Conserve, be aware, and educate those who aren’t.
Like you I am a native of California that did experience the drought in the late 70’s. Plaskett campground was shut down as a result. 2013 rain fall or lack of is even worse than 1976. With a larger population today I can only expect worse measures enacted to help conserve water. You’re correct educate those who aren’t, expecially transplants from other regions of the country or world…
Kate, there will be a discussion at the Water Resources Agency next week about cloud seeding. To be clear there is no plans right now for this winter.
The meeting is called the Reservoir Operations Committee and it meets next Thursday at 1:30 at the Water Resources Board Room 893 Blanco Circle Salinas.
An agenda should be out in the next day or so. If interested i will send it to you.
Sent from my iPhone Ken Ekelund (831)625-9621 (home) (831)915-6654 (cell)
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Yes, please send. I am sure some of my readers will be interested, as am I.
I know there’s a severe drought. I hate to be the cynic.
I’d keep a sharp eye peeled on official designations and all they mean. That is, that it allows for particular laws to be called into effect, which may ultimately be severe to the citizen. I don’t figure how in a full year of near zero rain fall in CA that an official ‘Drought’ was designated only 1 week ago. Jerry Brown is rumored to be planning a north vs south water war. This morning, a Santa Cruz official said they’ll initiate water rationing, monitored meters along with sizeable fines for over use. Most of us are surrounded by very green golf courses and productive wineries. Not all of the state’s in trouble. Not much inventive solution in place. There’s a lot of money in the control of water flow.
So right you are, Barbara! I, too, am cynical. OTOH, ranchers are selling off their cattle!
bigsurkate, on a mountain top in Big Sur