Tornado Alley (PROG)

[DesertDrifter]

While the snowpacks are down,

For the first time in years, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows no drought conditions across California — one of several indicators reflecting the state's improved water outlook.Jan 15, 2026

the atmospheric rivers have deluged us with rain. Most reservoirs are full to optimal capacity for this time of year. Not enough yet to recharge aquifers, to be sure, but progress is progress. Warm rains have predominated... I live at 5000 feet and we have received no more than a skiff of snow, it has all been rain. Global warming has caused more water to be evaporated in the Pacific Ocean, and the water laden air has to drop its load somewhere. Through the vagaries of circumpolar whorl, arctic air slides down the continent, giving the east a deep freeze, but the dense air holds warmer air masses in the west off, so we enjoy a warm winter.

I have only burned half as much firewood as a typical year, which is my measure of trend. Getting most of our moisture as rain is not optimal for summer flows, but I can predict we will have a major bloom of wildflowers this year.

Troubling is the absence of many bird species that I have been tracking for years, and a dearth of pollinator insects, but I am not sure the climate turbulence is the chief culprit. While my feeder normally attracts about 25 species of natives and migratories, this year it is down to no finch species, a few Oregon juncos and the resident scrub jays, with flocks of English sparrows having replaced them. No buntings, crossbills, tanagers, or other narrow-niche birds, just a few pesky generalists, mostly immigrants from europe.