The Rain Has Arrived!

Oh happy day!  The rains have arrived.  So far today we have received .75 of an inch of rain, according to our weather station which is located up at the Rocky Point tank site.  The rain total for February is 1.38 inches, however, that total was received in just the last 36 hours or so.  That is a lot of rain for such a short period of time!

Right now it is about 10:45 a.m. and here at the district office in Pine Cove, it is raining hard and steady with the occasional burst of wind which cause the rain to go sideways.  There is a light fog and the rain has periods of hard down pour and then light drizzle.

The weather forecast is calling for snow tonight, tomorrow and tomorrow night.  There is a possibility of 10 to 14 inches falling tonight and another 10 to 14 inches tomorrow and another 5 to 9 inches on Saturday night.  Let’s hope the temperatures stay cool and we receive as much wonderful snow as possible.  We need this moisture very badly and the arrival of this storm is just what the doctor ordered.

Please prepare yourself for winter weather and a lot of snow.  Do not travel if you do not have to.  If you do have to venture out, make sure you carry chains, a small shovel, some sand or cat litter, a couple extra blankets, some snacks, a flashlight and anything else you think you may need should you get stranded.  Make sure your cell phone is charged up and ready to go before you leave.

Animals.   Please, please, please take proper precautions and preparations if you have animals that live outside.  No matter what animals you have, make sure they are winter weather ready.  They need a shelter that is clean and dry and will protect them from the rain, wind, snow and cold.  Fresh, dry, unsoiled bedding should be in place along with an area with fresh food and clean, warm water.  No animal likes or wants to stand in rain, snow mud or feces.

If possible, bring your dogs inside.  Contrary to popular belief, the majority of dogs are not equipped to live outside, full time, in extreme heat and cold.  At the very least, please bring your dogs inside to a garage or utility room and give them some soft, warm bedding along with fresh food and clean water.   Even better is a bed by the wood burner or fireplace in the same room with you.  Remember, your dog loves you and wants to be around you.  You are your dog’s world.  Please think twice before you get a dog that has to be banished to the outside constantly.  If this is the only life you can provide for a dog, perhaps this is not the season of life for you to be a dog owner.  Just think how you would feel if you were banished from human contact for the majority of the time and had to live in the elements 24/7.  Our animal friends depend on us for their every need, so please be the good person your dog thinks you are and provide them with lots of love and attention and tend to their physical needs.

Enjoy the rain and the snow everyone!