Archive for Winter

Advice for snow-play visitors

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~as posted in the Idyllwild Town Crier Dec. 23, 2021 – Page A3

The U.S. Forest Service closed the Humber Park Trailhead parking lot last week to vehicles due to last week’s winter storm. “Once the parking lot road becomes iced over, many cars slide or get stuck in its steeper sections. Staff will monitor and reopen when/if conditions become safe again,” according to the San Bernardino National Forest’s (SBNF) Twitter post.

California Highway Patrol Officer Graham Aanestad had five vehicles towed for blocking Humber Park between last Saturday and Sunday.
SBNF also issued a snow-play advisory on its website considering last week’s snow and the coming week’s predictions.

SBNF expects large crowds over the holiday weekend because of snow. It asks visitors to:
• Research a destination. A few snow-play areas require Adventure Passes to park. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/r5/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=STELPRDB5181410&width=full to search for a designation.

• Check weather and snow conditions and plan accordingly. Avoid driving during a snowstorm. Snow plows will be working and visibility might be low. Visit weather.gov for weather conditions and forecast. Check the Caltrans; http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov for road conditions/traffic, including chain controls, road closures and more. Ensure you understand chain control requirements and how to install them (practice before coming).

• Plan for safety and comfort. Make sure you start your trip with a full tank of gas. Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll return; check in when you get back. Pack water, high-energy meals, and snacks — and pack more than you think you’ll need. Dress in layers of warm, waterproof clothing, including extra layers. Don’t rely solely on GPS-based maps.

• Park in safe, legal spots. Never block traffic or driveways, even to install snow chains. Play on open public lands only. Choose a hill that does not send sledders into roadways.

• Be sure to hydrate and eat frequently throughout the day. Pay attention to weather conditions and be prepared to leave quickly if conditions change or worsen. Keep an eye on the gas gauge; fill up if low.

• Leave no trace. Pack out all trash, leftover food and waste. Remember to display your recreation pass.

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Posted in: Community, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Holidays, Snow, Weather, Winter

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December Billing

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December billing went out this week. If you get emailed bills, you should’ve already received yours.

This months mailed billing includes our Winter Newsletter with updates and local resources and Winterizing Tips. In case you don’t get the paper mailing, I’ve attached those items here – December Billing Inserts

Water bills are mailed around the 1st of the Billing Month (even months). All bills are due and payable by the 1st of the following month (odd months). Any bill not paid by the due date will be termed delinquent and subject to a $15.00 late fee and/or termination. If shut off, a reconnect fee of $75.00 will be charged, in addition to the current amount due, to re-establish service.

There are several ways to pay your bill. ACH Auto Draft is a free service; the payment is automatically taken out of your bank account (filled out form required). You can log on to your account online, and pay with a Visa/Mastercard/Discover, or E-check. To register your account online, you will need your account number, and the Municipality Code which is PineCoveWDCA. Go to www.pcwd.org and click the “Billing” tab and the Payment option link. Next, click on the www.ub-pay.com link and register your account from there. You can come into the office and pay by check, cash, or card. One person at a time with a mask. Call with a credit/debit card. Drop payments thru the slot on the front door or mail a check or money order. Please note that there is a convenience fee of $3.00 per hundred dollars charged if using a credit card.

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Posted in: Billing, Company News, Customer Infomation, From the Office, Pine Cove Water District, Water Bills, winterizing

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Reducing static in the winter

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With the increase of cold weather, we are seeing the increase of fireplaces, wood burning stoves, heater usage, etc.
In my house, that means more static, dry skin, cracked lips, and dry nasal passages!

So what do we do? Extra dryer sheets in the dryer, dryer balls, WOOL dryer balls, lip balm, lotion, vapor rub under the nose…

Here are some additional tips:
Use a humidifier. Running a humidifier in your home will add moisture to dry, heated air. The moist air will help keep your skin, mouth, and nose lubricated, and helps prevent those nasty static shocks. Your goal is to aim for a comfortable home humidity level of between 30% and 50%. Don’t crank up the humidifier higher than that, though, or you could develop another problem — mold, fungi, dust mites, and other tiny critters. Make sure to keep your humidifier clean so that it doesn’t send dust and germs spewing into your house.

Seal your home. Prevent the cold, dry air outside from paying you an unwelcome visit. Insulate your home so you don’t have to turn up the heat. Close any air leaks in doors, windows, attics, and crawl spaces with caulk, spray foam, or weather stripping. Sealing off air leaks will also help you save money on your monthly heating bill, because you’ll feel warm and cozy enough to turn down the thermostat a few notches.

Hydrate often. Keep your skin and mouth moist by drinking water throughout the day. Don’t like water? Try putting in a little tea or juice to add flavor.

Shorten your showers. Long, hot showers might feel great on frigid winter mornings, but the heat and steam can really dry out your skin. Turn the water temperature down to warm — not hot — and use a gentle soap. Get out as soon as you’re clean, or under 15 minutes, whichever comes first.

Moisturize. Rub a thick oil-based moisturizer onto your skin frequently each day, especially after you take a shower or bath. The oil in the product will lock moisture into your skin and keep it from drying out. Moisturizers come in different forms, but ointments will provide the most protection for dry skin. Make sure to apply moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 30 to exposed skin before going outside. Also apply a lip balm or petroleum jelly to protect against chapped lips. Help keep your nasal passageways moist by using salt water (saline) drops or rubbing a little petroleum jelly into each nostril gently with a cotton swab.

Although humidifiers are often an easy fix, they can be costly to purchase, and running them day and night can send an already high winter energy bill soaring even higher.
Don’t have a humidifier? Looking for alternative or additional ways to increase moisture in the air?

Get Houseplants. Moisture evaporates from the leaves and stems of plants, adding humidity to the air in your home. Be sure to keep them well-watered.

Put Vases in Sunny Places. Water filled vases put in the window sills will slowly evaporate releasing moisture into the air.

Cook on the stovetop. Increase your stovetop cooking to not only take advantage of incidental moisture release while increasing the warmth in your house. And of course, using a tea kettle for your morning cup helps.

Showering with the door open. Leaving the door open is an easy way to add a little extra moisture to the air. If taking a bath, leave the tub filled when you get out for a little longer to take advantage of the residual heat that will add a little humidity to the air.

Place bowls of water on registers. You may be surprised by how much water is released during cold months when the furnace is on full blast. Place a metal or ceramic bowl of water on heat registers, radiators, or near heater vents to push humidity into the air.

Dry clothes on racks. I usually do this in the summer time to save on dryer usage but using a rack to dry clothes at room temperature during the winter releases moisture into the house as well as saves on the utility bill.

Are there other hints and tips you’ve come across that work? Share your information here!

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Staying hydrated during the winter

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Dehydration occurs when your body doesn’t have enough fluid to function properly. While there are a number of factors that affect how much water you need in a day, the average adult needs roughly 100 ounces of water on an average day. It’s possible to get dehydrated when it’s cold outside, just like it’s possible to get dehydrated when it’s hot outside.

  • It’s important to stay hydrated during colder weather. Simply remembering to drink more water can help prevent dehydration in the winter. Drink water and replenish fluids, especially after or during physical activity.
  • Don’t rely on thirst to tell you when you need to drink water. Make a point to drink a certain amount of water each day.
  • Eat your fruits and vegetables! You can get water from the foods that you eat. Not only are fruits and vegetables good for you, but they also help you stay hydrated. Eating homemade soups made with seasonal vegetables and herbs can also help you stay hydrated while providing warmth and nourishment to your body.
  • If you find it difficult to drink water when it’s cold outside, drink warm beverages like decaffeinated hot tea, herbal tea, or hot cider.
  • Always have water with you. A reusable water bottle can help keep you hydrated year-round. If you normally carry water with you during the summer, continue the habit through the winter.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks that can cause dehydration.
  • Wear layers of breathable fabrics instead of heavy-duty woolens to minimize water loss caused by perspiration.
  • You can also fight dehydration by growing indoor plants like peace lily, English ivy, snake plant and Boston fern that can naturally humidify a room.

Recognize the signs of dehydration. This can help you remember to drink more water and stay hydrated. Thirst, dark-colored urine, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, and dry skin can all indicate dehydration.

Stay safe, warm, and hydrated this winter!

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Gardening with Woodchips in the Winter

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There is no doubt that mulching builds soil, reduces the need to water, and helps control weeds. But what does it do to protect plants from the cold? In many climates, perennials will survive just fine without any protection. In cold areas, snow is an excellent insulator; it keeps plants underground at a temperature around freezing and protects them from the worst of winter conditions. If we could be sure that there would be a good layer of snow throughout winter, our gardens wouldn’t experience many problems at all. Without snow or other mulch in tough winter months, however, plants may suffer heaving and freezing, which can damage their root systems.

The best time to apply winter mulch is just after the first hard frost. By putting mulch down at this time, you will help stabilize the temperature of the soil right around freezing. Applying mulch too soon may delay freezing and encourage heaving and thawing. Applying it too late may cause the roots of plants to experience temperatures below that which they can handle.

Pine bark or wood chips are the best mulches; they enrich soil as they degrade. A layer of mulch about 4 to 6 inches deep over the plants works well. Most perennials will pop through the mulch in spring. If the plants are young, small, or newly planted in fall, you may need to clear some of the mulch in spring so that the plants can emerge without difficulty through the winter protection.

Organic mulches cushion the soil from compaction and erosion caused by heavy winter rains while safeguarding the soil’s storehouse of nutrients. In addition, winter mulches can enhance the cold tolerance of perennial vegetables, herbs and fruits, helping to insure a strong comeback in spring.

Recently laid wood chips to keep the roots nice and cozy

The what, why, how, and where

What are woodchips?
Woodchips are small pieces of wood.

Why would I want woodchips in my garden design?
The most common way of using woodchips for gardening is to spread them on the ground as mulch.

How?
It is important to remember that, as with any permaculture technique, every site is different and every plant species has its own unique requirements. You may find woodchip mulching in one part of your site does not work, while in another place it does wonders.
• Spread the woodchip mulch at least 2-3 inches deep
• Plant seedlings in the soil just below the woodchips
• It may be too difficult to move the woodchip layer for seeds which are small or closely spaced, such as carrots, beetroots, spinach, and onions, so maybe use a different mulch material if you are planning to grow these kind of crops
• Squash grow particularly well in woodchips

Where can you get woodchips?
We currently have a large pile at our Dutch Flats location that Pine Cove residents can go and gather as much as they’d like for free.
Special for December – have a truckload delivered for only $100

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Posted in: Garden, gardening, Mulch, Raised Bed Gardens, The Garden, winterizing, Wood chips

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First Snow on the hill

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Welcome to winter!
We’ve had our first snowfall and man was it a doozy.

One of the main things I see that causes me pause is people driving around with snow / ice on the top of their vehicles. Although not illegal in California it could be potentially dangerous.
While you might think that clearing the snow /ice is just for your visibility, there is quite a hazard to leaving snow on the top.

Leaving snow on top of your vehicle could result in bits falling forward onto the windshield causing low visibility but it can also fall backwards onto cars and pedestrians behind you causing “ice missiles”, in which sheets or blocks of snow and ice fly off roofs or windshields of cars and trucks, endangering those in vehicles behind them. Ice missiles can distract drivers and cause them to swerve into other cars. And they can crack windshields, and sometimes cause injuries — even deaths.

How To Remove Snow From The Roof Of Your Car

Aside from parking your car under a covered awning or inside a garage, you’ve basically got 2 options:

  1. Keep the snow & ice from building on your car’s windshield and roof in the first place using a windshield snow cover.
  2. Remove the snow & ice from your windshield and car roof before you drive using a long-handled snow brush or snow broom that is lightweight and safe to use on vehicles.

My friend thinks placing a heavy-duty tarp over the roof of your car that you simply tug off in the morning (pulling all the snow off your vehicle in the process) is also a great idea. I agree! They happen to make something similar: a car top roof cover & windshield cover.

Information taken from https://weather.thefuntimesguide.com/snow-broom-for-car/

Stay safe friends!

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Posted in: Community, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Snow, Winter

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STUFF YOUR BROKER DIDN’T TELL YOU ABOUT MOUNTAIN LIFE

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The Pine Cove Water District does not forgive water bills. Please remember to shut off your customer valve before leaving the mountain. If you’ve already left and forgot, give us a call and we will send someone out to shut off for a $15 fee during regular business hours. $15 is better than paying for busted pipes!

The following write up was taken directly from Idyllwild Snow on Facebook.

Welcome to your mountain home! You’re excited to leave the city behind and embark on your new permanent mountain vacation. Here’s what to expect when living among the peaks.

SURVIVING WINTER
You visited for a couple of weeks each year, so you probably don’t know this: Winter—serious, blizzard-having, school-canceling, live-animals-freezing-solid, Donner-Party winter—starts on Halloween and ends on Memorial Day. It’s fun at first. Then it’s not.

Chances are very high that your Escalade’s windshield will get cracked by mid-December. Most mountain communities use chunks of gravel instead of salt to grit icy roads. Don’t bother getting it repaired. It’s a badge of honor that marks you as a local. The cowboy hat will give you away, though.
Snowplow drivers don’t care. Your Expedition will not be able to get over the 14-foot-high snow drift they leave at the end of your driveway. Your snowblower will be useless. Pace yourself while shoveling it and try not to fall off the top. Don’t dump the snow back in the street. This just makes the plow drivers angry.

Snow drifts are beautiful until they block your furnace exhaust pipe. Don’t be that (potentially dead) guy.

Assume all water, dark patches, or suspicious shadows on the road are black ice.

“Mud season” is mid-March through mid-May and is the reason many people don’t make it through a full year of mountain living.

AVOIDING NATURE
All that nature you craved as a city-dweller will eat you if given the chance, especially the mountain lions. You don’t need to go looking for it: Nature will visit you in your backyard, and, if you leave a door unlocked, your kitchen.

At night, those reflective round circles by the side of the road are the eyes of deer or some other animal waiting to leap into your vehicle’s path. When you see an “animal crossing” sign on the road, believe it.

BREATHING
At 7,000 feet, the air has 16% effective oxygen content, compared with 21% at sea level, which makes your new home great for developing aerobic fitness—eventually. But first, you’ll have a couple months when you’ll have to stop halfway through chewing a piece of steak to catch your breath.
Due to the extremely low humidity, your skin will visibly age five years for every year you live in the mountains. Even your eyeballs will dry out. Drink more water than you thought possible. Invest in effective skin care.
On the plus side, your hair will dry very quickly when you get out of the shower, and mildewed towels and stale crackers will be a thing of the past.
Lack of oxygen means the sun is incredibly strong. You’ll sunburn in the time it takes to walk from your estate to your mailbox. Wear sunscreen all the time. Even at night.

RUNNING ERRANDS
Here, there is no “popping out” to the hardware store. Everything you want to do is at least an hour’s drive away and involves traversing at least one mountain pass or major river crossing.

Roads are frequently and suddenly closed for landslides, blizzards, washed-out bridges, avalanches, migrating herds, and really bad car accidents (see black ice/animals, above), so always have a Plan B route home. Plan B may involve a kayak.

Keep tire chains in the car, even in summer. Pack your trunk like you might spend the night, possibly two, in your vehicle. You eventually will.

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Posted in: Around the District, Community, Frozen Pipes, Hazardous Weather Outlook, Winter

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Winterizing Tips

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Prepare and protect your home for winter.
Your October 1st mailing included a pamphlet that has all of this information.

Conserve water and always use wisely.
When temperatures begin to lower in the fall, it’s time to get ready for winter. Every winter season, homeowners in mountain communities are at risk of the damage and expense caused by frozen pipes. However, just a few precautions can greatly reduce your risk (and may even help with your winter heating efficiency)!

Disconnect and Drain
Detaching hoses from outdoor faucets allows water to drain from the pipe.

Insulate Pipes or Faucets in Unheated Areas
If you have pipelines in an unheated garage or cold crawl space under the house, wrap the water pipes before temperatures plummet.

Seal Off Access Doors, Air Vents and Cracks
Winter winds whistling through overlooked openings can quickly freeze exposed water pipes. Don’t plug air vents. Your furnace and water heater need proper ventilation.

Find the Master Shutoff
In case of a leak, everyone in the family needs to know where it is and what it does. It’s usually where the water line comes into your house from the street.

Remember, all water that passes through the meter is the homeowner’s responsibility, even water lost due to frozen/broken pipes.

Vacant Home?
Turn Off Your Water!
Homes should have a “customer” shut-off valve just outside the District’s meter box at the street. All homes have a “District” shut off valve before the meter. Before vacating your home, always turn off your water at your customer shut off valve, located next to the District valve. It is not necessary to have the District valve shut off if your customer valve is shut off and operational. Please remember that ONLY authorized District personnel may turn off/on the District water meter shut-off valve. If you need help or can’t locate your customer valve, contact your local District.

Once your water is turned off, open and drain ALL household and irrigation lines. Any trapped water can freeze causing pipes to expand and break. Once all the lines have been drained, it is important to close all household and irrigation lines again before leaving your home.

Keep in mind that maintaining low heat in your home does not necessarily ensure that your pipes will not freeze. This is especially true if you are not a full-time resident. If you have any questions about winterizing or a Customer Shut-Off Valve, please contact your District office.

Pine Cove Water District 951-659-2675

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Posted in: Uncategorized, Water Conservation, Weather, Winter, winterizing

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Fall Preparation for Winter Precipitation

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When the beautiful fall leaves turn and the air becomes crisp is a good time to think about how to prepare for the coming cold months. It is important to make sure your home is ready for the coming winter. Winter can cause cause costly bills. Heating costs can double if your windows are poorly insulated or if the heating system is out-of-date. Plumbing can break or burst creating extensive damage to your home and high water bills. To prevent damage, it is just as important to winterize your home even if it will be vacant for long periods of time. Making proper precautions to ensure your home is prepared for winter can save you time, money and a lot of unnecessary hassle.

  • Learn how to properly shut off your water valve (in case a pipe bursts) and turn your water off every time you leave your mountain home.
  • Insulate pipes with insulation and wrap any exposed pipes.
  • Clean your gutters; make sure water can flow freely through your gutters to avoid icicles and ice dams.
  • Change your ceiling fans clockwise to force hot air at the ceiling towards the floor.
  • Replacing the filters in your forced heating unit improves the efficiency of your unit.
  • Window insulation film can help keep heat from escaping out your windows.
  • Winterize your home to extend the life of your fuel supply by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic.
  •  The simple act of installing a storm door can increase energy efficiency by 45%, by sealing drafts and reducing air flow
  • Placing a rolled towel at the bottom of your exterior door or a draft guard prevents heat from leaking out.
  • Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year. Your chimney doesn’t necessarily need to be swept every single year, but it does need an annual inspection. Wood stoves, however, should be swept more often.
  • Trim tree branches near your windows, roof, or parking areas before the weight of winter ice and snow can cause them to snap.
  • Inspect your home for any openings where animals could use to get inside. Make sure your fireplace flue or damper is closed, as bats, birds and squirrels are known to get inside this way.
  • Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment.
  • Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
  • It is wise to communicate with a trusted  friend or neighbor if you plan to be gone for a prolonged period of time and make sure they have your contact information. Taking these steps can help protect your home from theft, water damage, and heating or electrical system issues while you are away.

Early this year we experienced extreme low temperatures and lots of snow. Pine Cove lost of over a million gallons of water in February and March this year. This loss was a result of many leaks around the District and caused by freezing temperatures. PCWD always recommends turning your water off at the street customer valve to prevent any water disasters or leaks. Conserving water whenever possible is important to this District.  Pine Covers are very aware and are cautious about conserving water as much as possible.  If you  aren’t sure how you can reduce your water usage,  we have many water conservation tips here on the blog and on our website at pcwd.org that are useful for conserving water both inside the house as well as outside.

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Posted in: Around the District, Community, Conservation, Customer Infomation, Customer Valve, From the Office, Frozen Pipes, Leaks, Pine Cove Water District, Storms, Water Conservation, Weather, Winter, winterizing

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Little bit of snow!

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Pine Cove residents woke up this morning to cold temperatures, frozen windshields, icy roads and a little bit of snow! A dusting of snow this morning was enough to give our mountain that gorgeous winter shimmer.  With this colder weather, please be careful while driving on the icy roads. As always remember to winterize your home and turn off your water at the customer valve before leaving your mountain home.

Here is a photo from our webcam…. The snow has melted from the trees here but as you can see its still covering the high country! What a beautiful day in Pine Cove!

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Posted in: Community, Snow, Weather, Winter

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