Global Warming, Climate Change or Early Spring Thaw?
Regular viewers of this blog (thanks folks!) have surely noticed many snowy pictures. In fact, for months I have thought that most of my postings have been of livestock and people standing around in snow. Last time I checked, our local Snowtel was registering a 70 per cent of average snowfall, but we, as always, hope for a wet spring. As my Dad says, a wet spring beats heck out of a hard winter!
The world, with its looming threats of climate change, has caught up to us. This last week has brought higher than average temperatures, and a resulting snowmelt of great proportions. Ten days ago, my granddaughter and I built a snowman in our front yard. Today that snowman is nothing but a sad collection of carrots and rocks.
Siobhan and her snowman
Home Ranch
photo by Sharon O'Toole
Yesterday, we went out to the Red Desert to check on the sheep which are wintering there. The sheep look great, and the country looks excellent. Even the herders have gained weight! The Red Desert supports winter livestock, antelope, deer, elk and wild horses. It is one of the Horse Management Areas where the BLM has gathered horses and kept them at their optimal level. The country, the horses and the other animals who depend on it show the benefits of this management.
Wild Horses South of Cyclone Rim
Red Desert, Wyoming
photo by Sharon O'Toole
Modesto with his sheep
Cyclone Rim, Red Desert, Wyoming
photo by Sharon O'Toole
Guard dog at the ready
Cyclone Rim, Red Desert, Wyoming
photo by Sharon O'Toole
Our present concern is that this weather has produced the spring runoff six to eight weeks early, and is not just a warm spell. The Red Desert has lost its winter snow cover. The reservoirs, draws and ephemeral streams are full, so for the time being we have plenty of water for the sheep. The worry is for the rest of the season.
Spring runoff on the Red Desert
Sweetwater County, Wyoming
photo by Pat O'Toole
Even at the Home Ranch, in the mountains, our snow is going fast. We can only hope that winter weather will return, and bring us blessed moisture. The early Daylight Savings adds to the feeling of a too early spring.
Siobhan & Modesto with the guard dogs
Cyclone Rim, Red Desert, Wyoming
photo by Pat O'Toole
